GENDER PROFILE MONTENEGRO
Montenegro’s energy, transport, and environmental policies have far-reaching impacts on daily life, national development, and climate resilience. Yet these sectors remain among the least gender-aware, both globally and in Montenegro. While women are among the most affected by climate and mobility challenges, their needs, experiences, and leadership are still too often overlooked in decision-making and planning.
Across the globe, women are disproportionately impacted by climate change. They are more likely to live in poverty, more dependent on natural resources, and more exposed to climate risks, especially in rural settlements.
Only 24%
of countries include gender equality institutions in their national climate strategies.
Just 17%
of decision-making roles in the EU energy sector are held by women, and globally, only
Only 11%
of ministers in energy and natural resources are women.
In Montenegro, these global patterns are reflected nationally. Key strategies like the Transport Development Strategy 2019–2035, the Climate Change Strategy until 2030, and the Energy Development Strategy until 2030 do not mention gender. In addition, the lack of gender- disaggregated data prevents evidence-based planning and limits the ability to track gender outcomes across these sectors. Without this data, policies are not fully able to account for the very real differences in how men and women experience infrastructure, services, and environmental risks.
When it comes to leadership roles, for only the second time in history, a woman is a Minister of Transport in Montenegro in current Montenegrin Government. In regulatory energy bodies—where legal expertise is often more valued than technical experience—women have stronger representation. But at the operational and senior decision-making levels in energy and environmental agencies, women remain rare.
When infrastructure and climate policies fail to reflect gendered realities, the consequences show across every aspect of life. Limited transport options can significantly restrict women’s access to employment, education, and healthcare, particularly in rural areas or lower-income communities. Inadequate public transit also increases exposure to harassment and violence, making everyday mobility a safety risk.
Therefore, gender-responsive energy and transport systems can reduce poverty, improve access to services, boost productivity, and unlock economic growth. By placing gender at the center of future planning, Montenegro won’t just meet international standards, it will build more resilient, equitable, and sustainable systems that work for everyone.
Montenegro’s Law on the Election of Councilors and Members of Parliament was adopted in 1998 and has...
Montenegro has never had a woman as a prime minister, president, or leader of a parliamentary party....
Over 80% of public administration employees report that institutions rarely or never conduct gender ...
Women are the majority among bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree holders in Montenegro but occ...
Women consistently make up the majority of the unemployed. Around 48% of citizens believe that the m...
Only 13% of farm holders and 32% of agricultural landowners or co-owners are women. Women in rural a...
Women produce nearly 60% of published news content but are significantly underrepresented as sources...
Women make up 16.52% of Montenegro's Armed Forces, including civilians, 12.04% of professional milit...
© 2025 Gender Profile, All Rights Reserved