On January 23, the event “Preventing Sex-Selective Abortions: Raising Awareness and Shaping Public Consciousness” was held in Ijevan, co-organized by Armenia’s Human Rights Defender and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Armenia. Opening remarks were delivered by Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan and Dutch Ambassador Marieke Monroy-Winter.

Manasyan noted that despite steps taken in recent years, sex-selective abortion remains a serious and troubling issue in Armenian society from both human rights and gender equality perspectives.

“Often, when society discusses equality, it is mistakenly perceived as granting privileges to certain groups. In reality, it is about ensuring equal opportunities. When we highlight the rights of specific groups, it signals that their rights face specific challenges. It doesn’t matter whether these are major or minor. The fact is, challenges exist and must be addressed,” she said.

The event featured a screening of the documentary It’s a Girl, created with the support of the Dutch Embassy. The film explores the causes and consequences of sex-selective abortions.

A thematic discussion followed the screening, featuring Anahit Manasyan, Ambassador Monroy-Winter, Article 3 Club founder Gayane Abrahamyan, and BKMA Football Club Executive Director Gagik Aghbalyan. The discussion was moderated by Larisa Harutyunyan, Political and Economic Affairs Officer at the Dutch Embassy.

In her closing remarks, Manasyan emphasized the importance of such initiatives not only for improving awareness but for shaping public consciousness based on principles of equality, respect, and solidarity.

She also stressed that success requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders, adding that the Human Rights Defender’s Office stands ready to support all targeted programs in this area.

The event was attended by representatives of the Tavush regional administration, civil society organizations, and interested citizens.