In April 30 the small hall of Goris State Dramatic Theater was full. About 100 representatives from health care and educational institutions, civil society, and Police, and simply Gorisians, gathered to participate in the first event of “I am a Woman” campaign. The campaign implemented by OxYGen Foundation and the United Nations Population Fund(UNFPA) aims to promote women’s empowerment, overcome discriminatory social norms and harmful practices, ensure equal rights and equal opportunities for women and men in Armenia.
“The performance we are about to watch today, touches upon topics we usually avoid speaking out. And yet, some of them can relate to any of us. It’s about violence, and not only physical, but also psychological and economic violence,” said Zaruhi Tonoyan, UNFPA Project Manager, in her welcome speech. “Very often people avoid raising these problems, thinking that nothing will change anyway. But the issue is there, and we all have our own share in preventing these issues from manifesting in the society once and forever,” she noted.
The performance is a monologue of three women facing the court based on true stories. With different characters and different social background, these women are victims of domestic violence, in a trial for crime. One of them resorted to offense to save the child from abuse, the other in an attempt to save the unborn child, and the third unable to withstand the humiliate any longer.
“All three stories are real, I have dealt with all three cases, and unfortunately, these are no exceptions,” underscored Khachatur Gasparyan, psychologist, Head of the Medical Psychology Department, YSMU, who after the performance facilitated the discussion between the actors and spectators, asking them to share their thoughts, feelings and suggestions.
“The story of my hero taught me one thing: when you are in a swamp, most often you do not take heed of it. And in this case, you need help from the public, people. One should not let the situation aggravate,” pointed out Zhanna Hovakimyan, an actress who personified one of the women, recalling how a young girl came to her after one of the performances, saying: “Your story is so similar to mine, may I give you a hug?”
And how to prevent abuse in the form of violence, such tragic situations, asks the psychologist.
- “To educate our girls so that they can stop at the right moment.”
- “The society should not be indifferent: silence makes us an accomplice.”
- “Every one of us must take responsibility for our own decisions.”
- “Everything starts from school. it is important to teach psychology at school.”
- “Children should acquire right sex education.”
- “To overcome the victim mentality.”
- “Everything must start from childhood and family, children should grow up being loved and respected.”
- “Overcome stereotypes: men oppose the topic of domestic violence.”
- “Provide engagement of a psychologist and a lawyer in the community, create a structure to work with the family”.
These are some of the observations voiced during the discussion. One point the majority of the audience agreed on, was that such examples were around us, and the performance raises a crucial problem that needs to be discussed.
Other upcoming events are planned for Gavar, Gyumri, Vayk and Vanadzor cities.
The play is presented by Theater 8 troupe. Director: Suren Shahverdyan. Author of the play Ani Gevorgyan. Cast: Mariana Yeghiazaryan, Zhanna Hovakimyan, Ani Gevorgyan (Elena Kasimyan)
The campaign is organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with “Addressing Gender-Biased Sex Selection and Related Harmful Practices in the South Caucasus: Support for Regional, National and South–South Interventions” project implemented by OxYGen Foundation. The Project is funded by the European Union and UNFPA.
