Governor Radović Presents “Women on Boards” Certificates
26/01/2024
The CBCG Governor Irena Radović, PhD, spoke as the initiator of the “Women on Boards” programme during the ceremonial awarding of certificates to the first generation of participants of the programme aimed at developing female leaders for decision-making positions in Montenegro held last night in Podgorica.
Addressing the programme participants, the Governor pointed out that they and their inspiring role in the programme clearly indicate excellent staff among women in all business spheres, the public and private sectors, and encourage us to work on further women inclusiveness in economic decision-making positions.
“I encourage you to continue your professional path with determination, dedication and professionalism as before. By personal example, given the opportunity to lead our country’s umbrella financial institution, I strongly support and prove we can do it and deserve these positions,” Governor Radović said.
Looking back on the beginnings of the programme she initiated as the then Investment and Development Fund (IDF) executive director, Governor Radović reminded of opening this important chapter in March 2022 by initiating the Women’s Economic Empowerment Agenda, of which she is proud author and its adoption in cooperation with Montenegro’s Parliament strongly supported by its Committee for Gender Equality and the Committee for Economy, Finance and Budget.
“In conformity with the Agenda, we then initiated changes to the Business Companies Act to incorporate a European directive that prescribes a more equal gender representation in economic decision-making positions. In that direction, following the example of programmes implemented in EU countries, we initiated a three-year project “Women on Boards”, Governor Radović reminded.
The IDF Board of Directors President, Velizar Kaluđerović, the head of the EBRD Office in Montenegro, Remon Zakaria, and Adriana Husić, on behalf of the first generation of participants of the “Women on Boards” programme, spoke at the event.
Following the EU countries’ example, the “Women on Boards” programme was implemented for the first time in Montenegro to prepare the Montenegrin business environment for the upcoming changes to the Business Companies Law, envisaging greater participation of women in decision-making positions by June 2026 following the binding acquis communautaire and the implementation of ESG standards in Montenegro. The IRF implemented the programme in cooperation with the EBRD and PricewaterhouseCoopers, with almost all leaders of parliamentary parties, members of the diplomatic corps in Montenegro, and leaders of domestic and international business associations supporting the programme.