May 19, 2015
On May 19, Ambassador Uyehara spoke at a press conference marking the completion of NGO NOVA’s project “Montenegrin Men’s League Against Violence.” The project, which was supported through the U.S. Embassy’s Democracy Commission Small Grants program, engaged Montenegrin men to speak out against gender-based violence with a goal of changing other men’s perceptions of violence and raise awareness about this problem in the entire society. Through the campaign, men amplified the message that violence against women and girls cannot be eradicated without the active involvement of men and the understanding that men must take responsibility for their actions.
The campaign included water polo player Nikola Janović, journalist Petar Komnenić, doctor Vladimir Dobričanin, musician Vladimir Maraš, and director Danilo Marunović. A sample video can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KP1utDXBCoU
“Nikola, Petar, Danilo, and Vladimir—in fact both Vladimirs—show that this isn’t just a “woman’s issue. These leaders in their different fields disprove the idea that there is anything “macho” about violence against women and children. They show that being strong and smart doesn’t mean harming others or making someone feel scared or inferior,” said Ambassador Uyehara at today’s press conference.
