Pursuant to the Rural Development Program for Montenegro and EU recommendations, it is not only necessary to increase employment of women in agriculture, but also to advance diversification of rural economies, as economically stronger and more active women are a necessary precondition for rural development and the overall sustainable development of Montenegro.
Collection of relevant data by the Ministry began in 2011 with a comprehensive study of the position and needs of women living in 13 municipalities in Montenegro (Bar, Berane, Bijelo Polje, Cetinje, Danilovgrad, Herceg Novi, Kolašin, Nikšić, Plav ,Pljevlja, Podgorica (Tuzi), Rožaje and Ulcinj). Upon analysis of data obtained, development of a special program was proposed, directed at strengthening the economic status of women. A working group was set up with this aim, with the participation of representatives from relevant ministries, institutions and NGOs, as well as consultant from SeConS, Dr Marija Babović.
The final product is the Program for Better Employability and Income of Women in Rural Areas of Montenegro. This document, drafted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, applicable for the 2012-2016 period, defines priority objectives, measures and activities which will lead to the better economic participation of women in rural areas and provide more income and better living conditions for this segment of population in Montenegro.