The United Nations Population Fund in Serbia and the Minister without portfolio in charge of gender equality, prevention of violence against women and economic and political empowerment of women, held today an info-session dedicated to gender equality and family-friendly policies at the Palace of Serbia.
During the info-session, the "Family-Friendly Workplace" model and the analysis "Gender-Responsive Family-Friendly Policies in the Republic of Serbia" were presented, Minister Tatjana Macura emphasized the importance of fostering a more equal distribution of gender roles, stating:
“If we want women who want children to not give up on their aspirations, it is important to understand how we can adapt policies and other social circumstances to that desire and need. As in everything else, it is important to develop dialogue on this topic. A dialogue that is not only at the institutional level, but also to encourage it with the business community. This is, I am sure, one of the issues of high national importance, not only because supporting the family is high on the agenda of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, but also because we are witnessing a crisis in the labor market, and it is important that, in accordance with these global and national challenges, we see ourselves primarily as partners. My field experience and my experience from the business community from which I come, is such that there is a great interest in exchanging ideas, experiences and promoting existing solutions provided by the law”
The United Nations Population Fund is actively working to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women, providing data and support to countries in the region to respond to the demographic changes.
“When employers understand the needs of young families and create family-friendly workplaces, both women and men can balance professional and family responsibilities. Such policies do not only support individuals - they bring multiple benefits to a society as a whole, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential,” said Borka Jeremić, Head of the United Nations Population Fund Office in Serbia.
The info-sesion was organized with the aim of exchanging experiences, but also to encourage an open dialogue on improving policies that contribute to gender equality and creating a more favorable environment for reconciling work and private life. Participants agreed that in order to distribute responsibilities between partners, it is necessary to develop dialogue within the family, change culture and established patterns, but also to continue a dialogue with the business community.
This activity is implemented within the “Expanding Choices”, project led by the United Nations Population Fund in Serbia in partnership with the private sector and the Government of the Republic of Serbia until 2026, with financial support of the Austrian Development Agency. The project aims to improve gender-responsive family policies in order to create an inclusive environment that equally supports women and men in reconciling career and family responsibilities. The project provides support to governments in the development and implementation of these policies, while at the same time empowers private companies to create family-friendly workplaces. A special focus is on recognizing the specific needs of women and encouraging a more equal distribution of unpaid household responsibilities between women and men.
