On February 16, a National Forum on “Observations and recommendations of CSOs on the draft strategy and action plan for implementation of the RA gender policy for 2024-2028” was held in Yerevan.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss with representatives of CSOs dealing with issues of gender equality the draft strategy and action plan for implementation of the RA gender policy for 2024-2028 and develop a set of relevant recommendations based on the experience, observations and suggestions of CSOs, making the process more inclusive and participatory.
In her opening speech, Margarita Hakobyan, executive director of the OxYGen Foundation, drew attention to this fact and emphasized the importance of combining efforts in the development of an effective Gender Strategy and its implementation.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Great Britain to Armenia H.E. Mr. John Gallagher and UNDP Permanent Representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili made opening remarks, referring also to the “Women in Politics, Public Administration and Civil Society” project activities and already recorded results.
H.E. Ambassador John Gallagher specifically mentioned, “Civil society is an important agent for positive social change and occupies an important position in development dialogue. I am confident that today’s discussions will bring up new ideas that can inform and improve the new Gender Strategy.”
And UNDP permanent representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili drew attention to the fact that it is a logical continuation of cooperation with CSOs and noted, “Our meeting today is the continuation of our policy making work with our partners from Civil society. Your presence is a proof of your commitment towards continuous enhancement of gender equality at the highest political level of the country”.
Ani Kojoyan, an expert in gender and communication studies, presented the draft resolution of the RA government “On approving the strategy and action plan for the implementation of gender policy in the Republic of Armenia for 2024-2028”. Next, under the coordination of social sector expert Yuliana Melkumyan, gender experts Ani Kojoyan and Tamara Hovnatanyan, the participants discussed individual components of the strategy in group work. The results will be summarized and presented in the form of recommendations.
The “Women in Politics, Public Administration and Civil Society” project is implemented by the United Nations Development Program in cooperation with the RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure and OxYGen Foundation, with the support of the “Good Governance Fund” of the United Kingdom government.
