Key Leaders in the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces of Montenegro Complete Gender Coaching Programme

Two high-level military officials of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Armed Forces (AFs) of Montenegro successfully completed the Gender Coach Programme (GCP) in June 2023.

The Deputy Chief of General Staff of AFs of Montenegro completed six months of advanced GCP, while the Director of the Human Resources Directorate in MoD finalised eight months of GCP with the aim to enhance their skills and knowledge to effectively integrate the gender perspective in defence polices and practice.

The programme was implemented through tailor-made one-to-one sessions and encompassed a wide range of topics from promoting gender-sensitive leadership and establishing gender balance and diversity in the working place, to advocating gender-specific initiatives and combating discriminatory practices.

Commanding officers have been recognised as champions for their commitment in promoting gender balance and diversity even before the GCP has been completed. These dedicated officers have demonstrated exemplary leadership by actively advocating gender equality, supporting gender equality mechanisms, and challenging discriminatory practices within defence sector.

Moving forward, the MoD and Afs are committed to achieving gender equality. Working in collaboration with these commanding officers and other stakeholders, they are creating an environment that values diversity in the service of efficiency, equal opportunities, and gender-sensitive communication. They aim to create an inclusive defence sector that serves as a model for other institutions.

This programme is organised within the scope of the second phase of SEESAC’s project financed by the Governments of Norway and the Slovak Republic Strengthening of Regional Cooperation on Gender Mainstreaming in Security Sector Reform in the Western Balkans, which provides support for mainstreaming gender in the security sector reform, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.