Grigoryan: women in armed forces strengthen national security

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia’s Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan stated that involving women in the country’s armed forces is a strategic necessity, not merely a symbolic gesture. He made the remarks during a discussion titled “Effective defense, security, and promoting women’s participation in Armenia’s Armed Forces,” reports Sputnik Armenia.

“Studies from various countries show that gender-balanced participation in the military increases institutional effectiveness and improves problem-solving. In Armenia, women’s engagement in the security sector, particularly in the armed forces, is seen as a strategic need,” he said.

While progress has been made, Grigoryan noted that women remain a minority in the defense and security sectors, especially in leadership positions. He stressed that the Armenian government continues to pursue a consistent policy of expanding women's roles in these fields.

One example is the introduction of voluntary six-month military service for women, which offers structured training and a compensation of about 2,800 euros upon successful completion.

“Women are given the chance to undergo military training, and if they complete the service successfully, they receive around 2,800 euros. One notable example is the formation of a women’s battalion in Armenia, with special conditions created for it,” he said.

Grigoryan also emphasized that modern security systems require a wide range of skills, from cultural awareness and IT knowledge to cybersecurity, psychological insight, language proficiency, and the ability to collaborate with local governments.

Currently in Armenia, women hold top positions such as Prosecutor General, Minister of Justice, Minister of Internal Affairs, and Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service.