The
high-level international conference titled “Effective Defense and Security:
Advancing Women’s Meaningful Participation in Armenia’s Armed Forces and
Beyond” is currently underway in Yerevan
Opening
remarks at the conference were delivered by Alexander Vinnikov, Head of the
NATO Liaison Office in Georgia (co-accredited to Armenia); Anahit Manasyan,
Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia; and Kaori Ishikawa,
Representative of UN Women in Georgia.
During
the international conference, Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Security
Council, delivered a keynote speech.
The
keynote panel discussion featured speakers Irene Fellini, NATO Secretary
General’s Special Representative for Women,
Peace
and Security, and Anahit Manasyan, Human Rights Defender. The discussion was
moderated by Gvantsa Loladze, Head of the Political and Public Diplomacy Team
at the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia.
In
her speech, Anahit Manasyan specifically addressed the findings of the
monitoring carried out by the Human Rights Defender’s institution, emphasizing
the persistent manifestations of stereotypical attitudes toward women’s
military service: «When addressing the characteristics of these stereotypes, I
find it necessary to highlight the widespread misconception that the armed
forces and security institutions are supposedly not for women. Unfortunately,
this stereotype continues to persist in our society. Stereotypes often serve as
a basis for targeting women, for instance when circumstances related to their
personal lives and other factors are used as grounds for targeting women
serving in the armed forces and security institutions. As a result, the
effectiveness of women’s involvement in the armed forces is often called into
question and put at risk, which requires a consistent response,” the Defender
noted.
Continuing
her remarks, Anahit Manasyan specifically underscored the importance of state
institutions’ engagement and the implementation of practical measures aimed at
overcoming stereotypes:
“Despite
the significant steps and changes undertaken by the state, we cannot turn a
blind eye to the existing negative phenomena or pretend that they do not exist.
Some of these problems continue to persist, and unless serious and consistent
steps are taken today to overcome these stereotypes, they will continue to
remain present in our environment.”
The
conference brings together ambassadors accredited to Armenia, heads and
representatives of international organizations, Members of the National Assembly,
representatives of the executive branch, law-enforcement agencies, the armed
forces and other state institutions, civil society organizations, international
experts, women serving in the armed forces of various countries, as well as
members of the academic community.
The
aim of the event is to discuss ways to promote the meaningful participation of
women in the armed forces. The conference has been organized in cooperation
with the NATO Liaison Office, the Human Rights Defender’s Office of the Republic
of Armenia, and UN Women.
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