Centre for Civic Education (CCE), on the occasion of March 10 – the International Day of Women Judges, notes that the formal representation of women in Montenegro’s judiciary does not necessarily translate into real equality in practice, particularly regarding working conditions, career advancement, and participation in decision-making processes.
This day was established by a United Nations General Assembly Resolution in 2021 with the aim of promoting the full and equal participation of women in the judiciary and highlighting the structural barriers they face within the judicial system.
CCE emphasizes that equality in the judiciary does not imply only equal access to the judicial profession, but also equal opportunities for professional development, advancement, and holding leadership positions. In practice, however, the so-called “glass ceiling” is still present—meaning invisible, often systemic barriers that make it harder for women judges to work and to reach the highest judicial positions. These barriers are not normative, but rather stem from established institutional practices, gender stereotypes, and often non-transparent decision-making criteria.
According to data from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) within the Regional Trial Monitoring Project in the Western Balkans, women make up almost 62% of judges in Montenegro, while at the same time they hold slightly more than half of all higher judicial positions, including the roles of court presidents. Although these figures indicate progress compared to earlier reports, they also confirm that numerical representation does not automatically mean full gender equality, and that further changes are needed to ensure genuine equality in advancement and decision-making.
The broader institutional context is also highlighted in the European Commission’s 2025 Report on Montenegro, which states that despite an improved normative framework, there is still a gap between formal solutions and their implementation in practice, including in the area of gender equality within institutions relevant to the rule of law. The EC emphasizes the need to strengthen institutional culture, transparency, and accountability mechanisms within the judiciary in order to ensure effective and equal participation of women in decision-making processes.
Particular concern is raised by the fact that women judges, especially in cases of significant public interest, are often exposed to public pressure, attempts at discreditation, and gender-based attacks. Such pressures not only undermine the professional integrity of individual women judges, but also create a broader intimidating effect that may discourage them from assuming greater responsibilities or applying for leadership positions. The absence of clear, visible, and effective institutional protection in such cases deepens the sense of insecurity and inequality within the system.
CCE stresses that marking the International Day of Women Judges must not remain merely symbolic. Relevant institutions have an obligation to consistently and transparently apply legally prescribed criteria for the appointment and promotion of judges, develop gender-sensitive policies within judicial bodies, and establish effective mechanisms for protection against pressure and discrimination. Only through measurable changes in practice can equality become a real principle, rather than merely a normative one.
Rozana Vuljaj, Project Assistant