On 10.08.2016, a round-table with the leaders of Village Councils in the Municipality of Podujeva 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.

There has been no female village leader in the municipality of Podujeva so far, and the number of women as members is quite low. The purpose of this meeting was therefore to offer a democratic perspective on women’s engagement in decision-making and community leadership, the potential of women to contribute as co-citizens and the legal responsibilities in regards to equal gender representation in decision making structures, formal or informal ones.

Community leaders were also informed that the young women from the municipality of Podujeva (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 project ‘Act on Equality’ supported by U.S. Department of State.