Women in politics are not just about statistics – they bring a new dynamic to decision-making, break stereotypes, and open doors for future generations of female leaders. We spoke with Maida Gorčević, Montenegro’s Minister of European Affairs, about the importance of women’s presence in political life, the obstacles they face, and what is needed to ensure greater female representation.
In an interview for ETV Portal, Minister Gorčević emphasizes that the presence of women in politics is not just about numbers, but about the quality of decision-making.
“Different perspectives and approaches to decision-making contribute to fairer and more effective policies. Women in politics not only break stereotypes, but they also create space for future generations of girls to know that they can become whatever they want,” says Gorčević.
Although women in Montenegro make up more than half of the population, their presence in leadership roles and in key decision-making processes remains limited. The Minister believes this is why systemic change is essential to ensure greater gender equality.
However, women who choose to engage in politics face numerous challenges – from being underestimated and subjected to prejudice, to facing direct attacks.
“Our society still views leadership as a ‘male trait,’ so women are expected to be ‘gentle and conciliatory,’ or, on the other hand, they’re criticized for being ‘too ambitious.’ I’ve personally experienced attempts to belittle me, but that only strengthened my belief that we must change societal awareness,” Gorčević says.
To increase the number of women in politics, she argues, we must change the perception of politics as an exclusively “male game.”
“Change starts with education and family upbringing, but we also need concrete institutional measures that ensure equal opportunities for women. Quotas and affirmative action can be a transitional solution, but in the long term, it’s essential to build a society where women earn positions not because they have to be included, but because they deserve to be,” the Minister states.
Speaking about her own political path, Gorčević admits she didn’t always plan on entering politics.
“I grew up in Bijelo Polje at a time when the system didn’t offer equal opportunities to everyone. My uncle, who was politically active, influenced my interest in social change. My first political involvement was with Demos, I later worked as an advisor to the Prime Minister, and today I lead the Ministry of European Affairs,” she recalls.
For her, politics – although often harsh and exhausting – has a clear purpose: to improve people’s lives.
“When you see that your actions bring real results, you know it’s worth it. That’s why I still believe in what first inspired me: politics should serve the people, not the other way around,” concludes Maida Gorčević.