Phase II of the “Addressing Gender-biased Sex Selection (GBSS) and Related Harmful Practices in the South Caucasus” Programme aims to scale up the successful results and effective practices achieved during Phase I, address gaps, and foster gender-transformative approaches to eliminate discriminatory social norms and harmful practices by scaling up effective, evidence-based interventions.
Awareness raising campaigns, capacity building activities and conversation around the topic as well women’s rights and gender equality will be at the core of the interventions.
Facts and figures
GBSS causes the skewed sex ratios at birth (SRB) above the natural SRB of 102 to 106 boys per 100 girls which has a damaging effect on the society.
As a result of the interventions implemented over years, in 2021 Armenia’s SRB was estimated at 108.8 boys to 100 girls, which represents a considerable progress in relation to the rates from early 2000’s (120 boys per 100 girls). However, even at this pace, the SRB may not reach its natural level before 2030.
In 2020, demographic estimates pointed to a 13% excess of males among the population below twenty years.
Activities
To achieve the objectives of the Programme, activities in the following areas are carried out:
- Expanding the knowledge base and data including conducting of nationwide survey on GBSS;
- Capacity building for relevant stakeholders on monitoring and evaluation;
- Supporting the government in implementing, monitoring and evaluating the 2020-2023 Plan on Prevention of GBSS;
- Sensitizing the media, population, and decision-makers through capacity building and public awareness raising;
- Active engagement of young men and future fathers as lead advocates and agents of change.
The “Addressing Gender-Biased Sex Selection and Related Harmful Practices in the South Caucasus: Support for Regional, National and South–South Interventions” project is implemented by UNFPA in partnership with OxYGen Foundation.
The Project is funded by the European Union and UNFPA.
Project implementation period: 09.09.2020 – 08.09.2023
