They recall that this day was established by a 2021 United Nations General Assembly Resolution, with the aim of promoting the full and equal participation of women in the judiciary and highlighting the structural obstacles they face within the judiciary.
CCE reminds that equality in the judiciary does not only imply equal access to the judicial profession, but also equal opportunities for professional development, advancement and performance of managerial functions.
"In practice, however, the so-called glass ceiling is still present, i.e. invisible, often systemic, obstacles that make it difficult for female judges to work and reach the highest judicial positions. These obstacles are not normative, but arise from established institutional practices, gender stereotypes and often non-transparent decision-making criteria," states the statement signed by the project assistant Rozana Vuljaj.
He points out that, according to data from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), within the Regional Trial Monitoring Project in the Western Balkans, women make up almost 62 percent of judges in Montenegro, while at the same time holding slightly more than half of all senior judicial positions, including the positions of court presidents.
"While these data indicate progress compared to previous reports, they also confirm that numerical representation does not automatically mean full gender equality, and that further changes are needed to ensure real equality in advancement and decision-making," they said in a statement.
The European Commission's 2025 Report on Montenegro also points to the broader institutional context, stating that, as they say, despite the improved normative framework, there is still a gap between formal solutions and their implementation in practice, including in the area of gender equality in institutions important for the rule of law.
"The European Commission emphasizes the need to strengthen the institutional culture, transparency and accountability mechanisms in the judiciary for the effective and equal participation of women in decision-making processes. Of particular concern is the fact that female judges, especially in cases of high public interest, are often exposed to public pressure, attempts to discredit them and gender-based attacks. Such pressures not only threaten the professional integrity of individual judges, but also have a broader intimidating effect, which can discourage them from taking on more responsible positions or running for leadership positions. The absence of clear, visible and effective institutional protection in such cases deepens the feeling of insecurity and inequality within the system," the CCE states.
CCE emphasizes that the celebration of International Women Judges' Day must not remain at the level of symbolism.
"The competent institutions have an obligation to consistently and transparently apply the legally prescribed criteria for the selection and promotion of judges, develop gender-sensitive policies within judicial bodies and effective mechanisms for protection against pressure and discrimination. Only through measurable changes in practice is it possible to ensure that equality becomes a reality, and not just a normative principle," the CCE concludes.
