Today is not the end of one project, but the beginning of new projects, new ideas, and new collaborations in Montenegro

In a strong stand against violence towards women and girls, and with the goal of economically empowering women, the final event of the EKOS project – “Education and Economic Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups of Women and Girls in Montenegro” – was held at the Knjaz restaurant in Nikšić. The event gathered 50 representatives from institutions, the NGO sector, and the local community, sending a powerful message of solidarity and commitment to combating gender-based violence.

The project, implemented in northern Montenegro (Nikšić, Plužine, Šavnik, Plav, Gusinje, Berane, Andrijevica, and Petnjica), is led by Zavod Krog from Slovenia, NGO “Impuls” from Nikšić, NGO Ikre, and NGO “Runolist” from Rožaje, with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia through international development cooperation.

The project demonstrated how international collaboration can bring tangible changes to women’s lives. Over two and a half years, 20 women were educated and mentored in the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic herbs, female entrepreneurship was developed, and social inclusion was strengthened. Guidelines for integrating gender equality into public institutions were created, and lasting sources of knowledge and support were established through the online Academy on Gender Equality Rights, Violence Prevention, and Economic Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups of Women and Girls. Local capacities to combat violence were reinforced, and 16 NGO representatives were trained to provide psychosocial support to victims. Public awareness of gender equality and gender-based violence prevention was significantly raised.

Project participants shared their experiences and reflections. Safeta Hodžić stated: “This project opened my eyes – it’s never too late to start something new.” Refadija Sahiti added: “A woman can do anything if she wants to… and if she seizes the opportunity that comes her way.”

Milica Lalatović Žižić, President of the Municipal Assembly of Nikšić, emphasized the importance of joint action against violence towards women: “Nikšić Municipality will continue to be a partner to all those fighting against this evil. Through various programs, we will keep supporting women and female entrepreneurship, fully aware that economic independence is one of the key prerequisites for true gender equality and respect for women’s rights – the path to her full personal freedom.”

She reminded that Montenegro, as one of the signatories of the Istanbul Convention, is committed to creating a society where women do not live in the shadow of fear. Nikšić, she stressed, remains a reliable partner in the fight against violence and in supporting women’s entrepreneurship.

The panel, moderated by Ivana Raščanin Radičević, brought together experts from various sectors: Biljana Vučetić (Ministry of Labor of Montenegro – Acting Director General of the Directorate for Social Entrepreneurship, Volunteering, and Cooperation with the Civil Sector), Gordana Čolaković (Nikšić Municipality – Secretariat for Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Development), and Emilija Jukić (NGO “Shelter for Women and Children Victims of Violence” LEA Bar). The discussion addressed key topics such as legislative frameworks, social entrepreneurship, and support systems for victims of violence.

The event was further enriched by a musical performance by student of the “Dara Čokorilo” Music School, whose talent brought emotion and a festive atmosphere to the gathering.

The EKOS project has shown that change begins with education, economic empowerment, and solidarity. The message from Nikšić is clear – the fight against violence towards women must be collective, determined, and ongoing.