• 07.05.2025

University of Montenegro: New Normative Frame for Protection from Gender Discrimination



University of Montenegro: New Normative Frame for Protection from Gender Discrimination

The Steering Committee of the University of Montenegro adopted at the end of April the Rulebook on the Prevention of Discrimination Based on Gender and Protection against Sexual Harassment and Blackmail. This was discussed in the morning program of the Television of Montenegro by Dr. Branka Bošnjak, Advisor to the Rector of UMNE for Strategic Policies and Sustainable Development, and Dr. Ljiljana Jovanović, Head of the Human Rights Centre at UMNE.

It was emphasized during the appearance that such acts are necessary in the context of increasingly frequent cases of harassment being talked about in the public. With these rules, the University wants to set an example. When there are clear rules and sanctions, perpetrators are more cautious, and victims are more encouraged to report.

It was emphasized that, alongside protection, education is equally important—especially in times of rapid social and technological changes that give rise to new forms of human rights violations. The University is actively working on integrating gender equality into curricula, particularly through cooperation with the Faculty of Philosophy and the Faculty of Law.

It was pointed out that the University has a number of mechanisms—from the Code of Ethics to the newly adopted rules stemming from international standards. There is also a strategic Gender Equality Plan (2022–2026), and from autumn, master’s studies in the field of gender studies will be introduced. Although women make up the majority of employees, they are still underrepresented in leadership positions, so progress is expected in that area.

The Human Rights Centre has been operating at the University for years, organizing educational events and collaborating with international experts. Although there have not been many reports of sexual harassment so far, this does not mean there are no problems—it rather indicates that victims are often not encouraged. The goal of the new rules is to provide them with support and protection.

An informational campaign is upcoming so that students and staff know which rules are in force and whom to contact. Meetings with the Student Parliament, educational sessions, and discreet reporting options are planned, with privacy protection.

At the end of the program, Dr. Branka Bošnjak also announced the continuation of the trend of opening the university to the public through a series of panel discussions this year. The first panel discussion is on the topic “Doctoral Studies in Medicine. Trends. What does Montenegro need?”, which will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, in the Blue Hall of the Rectorate of the University of Montenegro, starting at 11:00 a.m.

The speakers at the panel will be the Minister of Health of Montenegro, Dr. Vojislav Šimun, professors of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Montenegro, Prof. Dr. Mileta Golubović and Prof. Dr. Milica Martinović. The moderator of the panel is the Rector’s Advisor for Strategic Policies and Sustainable Development, Dr. Branka Bošnjak.

 

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