Foreign Minister urges open discussion on women’s issues

PanARMENIAN.Net - Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized during a cabinet meeting that discrimination and domestic violence against women persist in Armenia and must be addressed openly, Aysor.am reports.

“There is even worse—violence against women and domestic violence exists in Armenia,” Mirzoyan said.

He rejected the assumption that violence is only prevalent in rural areas, aligning with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s assertion that such issues are also present in Yerevan.

“There are topics that are often dressed up with lofty speeches and toasts around dinner tables, but women receive the opposite treatment in real life,” Mirzoyan added.

He advocated for a determined and uncompromising fight against domestic violence, without excuses or hesitation.

The government has approved Armenia’s 2025–2028 Strategy for Gender Policy Implementation and its action plan, outlining six core priorities aimed at reinforcing gender equality across sectors.

The first priority focuses on eliminating gender discrimination within public administration and decision-making levels by improving women’s advancement mechanisms and promoting equal participation from all, including vulnerable groups.

The second priority supports gender-sensitive approaches in the socio-economic sphere, particularly in the labor market and various industries. It seeks to reduce gender disparities, enhance women’s economic activity, and improve labor protections, including for caregiving work.

The third focuses on ensuring equal opportunities in education and science, promoting balanced involvement of girls and boys, and fostering individual potential and societal progress.

The fourth aims to create equal access in the healthcare system, paying particular attention to women from vulnerable groups, such as those living in rural areas, with disabilities, or from ethnic minorities.

The fifth priority addresses the prevention of gender-based and domestic violence and the protection of survivors. Special attention will be given to women and girls, and to eliminating gender-biased discrimination related to fetal sex.

The sixth priority involves incorporating gender-sensitive approaches in climate change policies, identifying social and gender impacts, raising awareness, and ensuring inclusiveness at all policy stages.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted: “The majority of Armenia’s population is women. It’s vital that we fully employ this potential.”