NEWS

The Human Resources Management Authority pioneers the UNDP Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions in Montenegro

The Director of the Human Resource Management Authority and UNDP Resident Representative sign the Statement of Intent.

The main pillar of the efficient public administration are people. Human Resources Management Authority (HRMA) is a best positioned institution within public administration to pilot GS in PI having in mind which mandate is recruitment of public institutions employees and capacity development to match public employees’ competences with 21st century skills, has piloted the Gender Equality Seal in Public Institutions, with support of the UNDP Montenegro Gender Team. By adopting and thoroughly implementing standards for gender mainstreaming in work of public administration, HRMA has gone the extra mile in contributing to building society where no one is left behind.

Within this process, more than 50 participants have received capacity development support through tailored training and continues consultancy. Furthermore, 17 trainers and communication experts were trained and delivered 10 training modules focusing on gender equality and integration of gender in public administration communications. It is envisaged that more than 200 people will attend basic Gender Equality training introduced by HRMA in 2023.

Joint photo of the thematic panel on gender mainstreaming in public institutions with the HRMA

Within this process, more than 50 participants have received capacity development support through tailored training and continues consultancy. Furthermore, 17 trainers and communication experts were trained and delivered 10 training modules focusing on gender equality and integration of gender in public administration communications. It is envisaged that more than 200 people will attend basic Gender Equality training introduced by HRMA in 2023.

Eleven management representatives were gathered around training for HRMA’s Human Resources Development Sector to expend their knowledge about comprehensive concept of gender mainstreaming, including the most recent information, the importance of gender responsive communications, adequate tools and role of PA in integrating gender equality into all aspects of its work. It resulted in identifying professional development initiatives of HRMA that are going to be gender mainstreamed. 

With recent UNDP studies showing that public employees have very traditional views and trust that men’s domination in leadership is “naturally given”, the HRMA initiated further capacity development activities for communication experts in public administration. The training gathered 12 communication experts to discuss the impact of their work in creating gender equality culture and raising awareness within PA and towards citizens. This way, the solid group of PRs and communication experts who became passionate promoters and advocates of gender responsive communications was established. 

Strategic planning workshop for HRMA has brought together 23 participants – members of HRMA core staff with solid knowledge and skills in terms of planning, institutional framework, rules and regulations – to discuss all dimensions of gender equality seal process, corresponding standards and indicators. With piloting gender equality seal in the country, HRMA is going beyond expectations despite challenges imposed by the country context, management shifts and administration reform.

One of the most frequently visited premises of HRMA was used to promote amazing legacy of women of Montenegro and their contribution to emancipating societies and setting the grounds for current generations to enjoy their rights and freedoms. This multimedia space has hosted the unique exhibition portraying just a small number of these women and their historic achievements in gaining rights for education, work and political rights, thus creating enabling environment for gender mainstreaming and providing the opportunity to thousands of people attending events there to get familiar with legacy of extraordinary Montenegrin women.

Capacity development of communication experts in public administration

As part of 16 Days campaign, UNDP Gender Equality Team has designed Gender Week to cover several important topics, such as gender in media, women’s leadership, gender-based violence, power of culture and gender mainstreaming in public institutions. Thematic panel on gender mainstreaming in public institutions was the opportunity to reflect on importance of capacity development and integration of institutional standards for gender equality. This was also the opportunity to celebrate the partnership and formalize the cooperation by signing the Statement of Intent between HRMA and UNDP.

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