On 17 January, a working discussion on the Draft Decision of the RA Government on the “Approval of the Strategy and Action Plan 2019-2023 for Implementation of the Policy for Equal Rights and Equal Opportunities for Women and Men in the Republic of Armenia” with participation of the Acting Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Arsen Manukyan, and the representatives of concerned agencies, international organizations and civil society took place.
Ms Susanne Soghomonyan, Coordinator of CSO-Government Dialog/Lawyer of the EU Funded “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” project and Ms Mariam Zadoyan, Lawyer of the Armenian Lawyers’ Association participated in the meeting as well.
During the discussion A. Manukyan noted that the presented document is important for the Republic of Armenia and reflects the necessary efforts to implement Armenia’s commitment and measures to ensure equal rights and opportunities for women and men in all spheres of socio-economic life in Armenia.
Further, relevant specialists from the Ministries of Labor and Social Affairs, Health, Education and Science, Culture, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture and Police presented the activities carried out by their agency within the framework of the Strategy.
In particular, they talked about overcoming gender-based discrimination in the socio-economic sphere, expanding economic opportunities for women, full and effective participation of women and men in the field of education and science, the promotion of equal opportunities for men and women in the field of health, prevention of gender-based discrimination, women’s advancement in improvement of the national mechanism, management and equal participation for women and men in the decision-making levels, prevention of violence in the family and the fight against it.
The participants expressed their observations, suggestions and position on the actions, programs and expected activities presented by the authorities.
According to Susanna Soghomonyan, though the educational component is very important for raising public awareness, however a large number of trainings have been provided in the strategy. According to her, trainings can have an effective impact if they are combined with systematic and innovative toolkit.
According to Mariam Zadoyan, special measures within the framework of the strategy should be taken to address the issues of employment discrimination.
Another observation submitted by the Armenian Lawyers’ Association refers to sex-selective abortions toolkit.
Photos from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs website.
