Westminster Foundation for Democracy is dedicated to promoting gender equality and strengthening women's role in the political landscape. As part of our efforts to address the critical issues faced by women in politics in Montenegro, WFD is working closely with the Women MP's Club in the Parliament of Montenegro and with political parties to develop practical mechanisms to address violence against women in politics (VAWP).

This initiative has led to the creation of a community that brings together key stakeholders, including members of the Women MP's Club and representatives from women's organisations within political parties. 

The community will focus on creating a safe, inclusive environment for women in politics, helping them to fully participate in public space and encouraging more young women to get involved in Montenegrin politics.

Through two interactive workshops, Cecilia Makonyola, Head of Practice (Inclusion) at WFD, and Magdalena Randall-Schab, Practice Lead for Women, Peace and Security at WFD, led sessions that provided valuable insights on addressing VAWP.  The participants had a chance to understand the root causes and manifestations of VAWP in Montenegrin politics through insightful and highly participatory activities. During this time, they were encouraged to identify areas for improvement and suggest practical changes that could be implemented in the operations of Parliament and political parties.

Additionally, through a series of activities, participants gained valuable insights into the theoretical considerations of VAWP, as well as the tools being developed by WFD to analyse and identify this form of violence. The knowledge shared during these sessions provided a foundation for identifying key stakeholders and areas that require attention and improvement to establish effective mechanisms for addressing VAWP.
 

As a result, participants identified the amendment of the legislative framework, educational reform, and media regulation as key focus areas for their network. Introducing practical and actionable changes in these three areas is essential for ensuring women's safety and encouraging their active participation in public life. This will also be crucial for increasing the involvement of young women, whose contributions are key to the progress of Montenegrin politics.