On 17.08.2016, a round-table discussion with the leaders of Village Councils in the Municipality of Viti took place. The discussion focused on women’s engagement as members of Village Councils, and on equal opportunities of men and women on being a village leader, especially since future elections for the village councils in this municipality might take place next year.

There has been no female village leader in the municipality of Viti so far, and the number of women as members is quite low. Women’s engagement in this structure was presented from the perspective of the potential of women and the contribution that results from gender diversity, as well as from the legal perspective that obliges every decision-making structure for equal gender representation.

Community leaders were also informed that the young women from the municipality of Viti (certified by PEN on local decision-making and community leadership) are willing and ready to join Village Councils and help contribute for the challenges and problems in their villages and neighborhoods.
This activity is part of the ‘Act on Equality’ project, supported by U.S. Department of State.