EmpowHER Montenegro: Fostering Inclusive Rural Development

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 October 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 

Ongoing. The project is making significant strides, particularly through the involvement of an experienced NGO, which is providing essential mentorship to rural women across targeted municipalities. Public awareness campaigns are going to be developed, leveraging data from CGA and UNDP research, to advocate for the improved status of rural women. The mentorship extends to consultancy on accessing alternative financing options, such as IPARD, thereby equipping women with the tools they need for economic empowerment. 

Efforts have also begun to assess the needs of municipal employees, aiming to integrate gender equality principles into their daily operations and governance. This approach is fostering greater engagement at the local level, contributing to a more inclusive environment for women in rural communities. 

A high-level event will take place in Bijelo Polje for the International Day of Rural Women, hosted jointly by UNDP and FAO. This event will gather experts, rural women, and municipal representatives to spotlight progress and collaborative efforts in boosting women's economic empowerment. Overall, the project is energizing municipalities with new opportunities and expanding the capacities of rural women through these strategic initiatives. 

 

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.

 

 

 

MAF-Funded Projects:

 

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