EmpowHER Montenegro: Fostering Inclusive Rural Development

Photo: © FAO
Project title       EmpowHER Montenegro: Fostering Inclusive Rural Development
   
Participating agencies       UNDP, FAO
   
Lead Agency       UNDP
   
Project manager      Maša Vučinić, UNDP
   
Timeframe      1 April 2024 – 31 December 2025
   
Budget       299,999 USD

 

Area of intervention 

The project focuses on supporting rural women in Montenegro’s underdeveloped northern municipalities of Berane, Bijelo Polje, and Plav. The intervention aims to empower women-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in agriculture and rural development, enhancing their capacity to access both national and international funding opportunities. Through targeted capacity-building activities, the project prepares rural women entrepreneurs to meet eligibility criteria for the IPARD III support funds and national Agrobudget measures, fostering long-term economic empowerment and resilience in the agricultural sector.

 

Partners 

  • Ministry of Agriculture;

  • Forestry and Water Management;

  • Ministry of Economic Development; 

  • Ministry of Human and Minority Rights; 

  • Municipality Berane; 

  • Municipality Bijelo Polje; 

  • Municipality Plav.

 

Key objectives 

The key objectives of the intervention aim to foster private sector growth by promoting women-led rural MSMEs, contributing to economic transformation in underdeveloped regions through innovative practices in agriculture and rural development. The project seeks to generate sustainable, decent employment opportunities for rural women, enhancing their economic independence. Additionally, it focuses on building institutional capacities to implement inclusive, gender-responsive policies that improve productivity and competitiveness. Strengthening policy frameworks that ensure equal access to economic resources and opportunities for women, including national Agrobudget measures and IPARD III support, is a key goal of the intervention.

 


Major expected results 

The expected results of the project include three major outcomes. 

  • First, increased knowledge and capacity of rural women through targeted research and training initiatives that empower them to actively participate in the economy and access available resources. 

  • Second, strengthened advocacy efforts will promote gender-responsive national and local policies, ensuring that women's voices are better represented in policy development and implementation processes. 

  • Third, improved access to financial and institutional resources for women-led rural MSMEs, enabling them to operate more efficiently in a supportive, gender-responsive environment, leading to long-term economic sustainability and growth.

 

Target groups 

Women living in rural areas in Montenegro, municipalities and local self-governments in northern region of Montenegro, public and private sector actors, NGOs.

 

Implementing status 

The EmpowHER project is driving meaningful change by focusing on the economic empowerment of women in rural areas, addressing both policy and practical needs. By engaging grassroots communities, local governments, and key stakeholders, the project is creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for rural women’s economic participation.

  • Local Impact in Key Municipalities

In municipalities such as Berane, Bijelo Polje, and Plav, mentoring programmes for women from rural areas have been successfully completed. These mentorships helped enhance women’s capacities in entrepreneurship, networking, and access to resources, enabling them to better position themselves in local markets. In parallel, draft gender equality strategies have been developed for the municipalities of Plav and Bijelo Polje, laying the groundwork for stronger institutional responses to gender-based challenges.
Moreover, discussions with local authorities are ongoing to explore ways to mainstream gender across other support mechanisms, such as agricultural subsidies and economic development programmes. These actions reflect a broader institutional shift towards inclusive and gender-sensitive policymaking at the local level.

  • Data-Driven Solutions

Currently, data processing from the agricultural holdings census is underway, and results are expected soon. When combined with the completed study on perceptions of citizens—especially women from rural areas—in Plav, Berane, and Bijelo Polje, this data will provide a robust evidence base for the development of inclusive policies and sustainable solutions tailored to the real needs of rural women. These findings will inform future interventions aimed at fostering equitable access to economic opportunities and resources.

  • Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

In rural areas, where opportunities for women entrepreneurs are often limited, the project has supported participants through workshops on circular economy, green business practices, and sustainable tourism. Women entrepreneurs have received certifications such as Green Destinations and Good Travel Seal, increasing the visibility and competitiveness of their businesses. These activities are not only boosting individual livelihoods but also contributing to greener, more resilient local economies.

  • Highlighting Rural Women’s Voices 

Amplifying the voices of rural women remains a key focus. A notable achievement was the feature of a woman entrepreneur from the mentorship programme in Top Women’s Business Magazine 2024, a significant step in recognizing the leadership and innovation of women in rural areas. Going forward, the project will develop a comprehensive socio-economic profile of rural women, providing further insights to shape national policies and address systemic challenges.

  • Strengthening Local Governance and Institutional Capacity 

To support long-term change, trainings were conducted for employees of two local self-governments on topics such as gender equality and alternative financing mechanisms. These sessions strengthened local capacities to develop and implement gender-responsive policies, ensuring institutional readiness for future initiatives supporting rural women.

  • Engaging Through Dialogue: The Business Forum

In partnership with the Municipality of Bijelo Polje, a two-day Business Forum was held to promote economic development through a gender-sensitive lens.

•    Day one focused on public-private dialogue and fostering entrepreneurship in the northern region.

•    Day two was dedicated to the role of women in rural areas and the green transition, highlighting both challenges and opportunities.

The forum brought together representatives from the international community, local and national institutions, private sector, civil society, and development partners, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and building momentum for inclusive, sustainable economic growth.

  • Building Strong Partnerships

The success of the EmpowHER project is rooted in strategic, cross-sectoral collaboration. Partnerships with local governments, non-governmental organizations, and UN agencies continue to be instrumental in achieving lasting impact. A key moment was the observance of the International Day of Rural Women, which convened diverse actors to reaffirm their commitment to empowering rural women and building stronger, gender-responsive systems.
 

Contribution to EU Accession 

The project aligns with Montenegro's commitments to the Paris Agreement and its EU accession process, promoting green and circular economies in line with the EU’s focus on sustainable development and environmental protection. By empowering rural women and fostering alternative economic sectors, the project advances gender equality, social inclusion, and economic growth, essential components for EU accession. It emphasizes skills development and innovation, contributing to a competitive modern economy while addressing key challenges identified in the EU Gender Action Plan III, such as improving women's access to decent work, financial services, and entrepreneurship opportunities. The project also supports the European Green Deal’s principles by promoting sustainable practices in agriculture and rural tourism, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging environmentally friendly growth. In alignment with the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, the project targets circular economy practices and sustainable food systems, offering rural areas alternative economic opportunities to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

 

Project brief description

The UN Joint Programme targets rural women in northern Montenegro, aiming to boost their business development, green innovation knowledge, and access to financing. It focuses on empowering women in Berane, Bijelo Polje, and Plav through capacity-building in green agriculture and rural tourism, promoting sustainable economic growth. The project uses data from the Country Gender Assessment and applies principles like human rights-based approaches and digital transformation for gender-responsive, low-carbon development.

 

 

 

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