To recognize the contribution of women and create an environment where women thrive as leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators, to support the United Nations 2030 Agenda on achieving gender equality and empower all Women and Girls, as well as acknowledging the fact that gender equality and diversity are fundamental prerequisites for achieving sustainable economic development, American Chamber of Commerce in Montenegro (AmCham Montenegro) has signed the Declaration of Support for Women’s Economic Empowerment with the International Trade Administration in the United States Department of Commerce.

AmCham President, Ms. Svetlana Vuksanović, has signed the Declaration on behalf of our organization during the historic visit of the first US Trade Mission to Montenegro, that took place this month in Podgorica, and which was organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Embassy in Montenegro, American Chamber of Commerce and Montenegrin Chamber of Commerce.

Ms. Vuksanović emphasized that AmCham Montenegro is committed to increase and deepen programs that develop skills and opportunities among women and promoting leadership development opportunities for women. Also, as Declaration states, AmCham will identify opportunities to reduce gender pay gaps and advocate for enhanced cooperation with relevant stakeholders on the topic of gender equality and diversity, including with government agencies and the private sector stakeholders to foster a harmonized and coordinated approach in implementing a gender equal and inclusive business environment.

Many companies operating as part of the AmChams in Europe network, whose member is also AmCham Montenegro, have been already implementing programs and initiatives that advance these goals.

Goals of the declaration are advancing women’s economic empowerment and gender equality in international trade, urging U.S. and European companies to diversify their workplace and support women-owned businesses, improving tools and services for women, increasing awareness for female entrepreneurs.

You can learn more about the Declaration here: https://www.empoweringher.org.

The International Trade Administration (ITA) at the US Department of Commerce plays a key role in promoting US exports and providing resources for American companies competing in the global marketplace. ITA has more than 2,200 in more than 100 US cities and 75 markets worldwide. For more information on ITA visit www.trade.gov.