YEREVAN, Armenia – 2ndt October 2024 – A groundbreaking public awareness campaign launches today across Armenia, spotlighting the crucial role of women in peace and security negotiations. The initiative aims to reshape public perceptions and underscore women’s vital contributions to creating lasting peace.
Responding to UN research showing that women’s participation reduces the failure rate of peace processes by 64%, the campaign showcases female peace and security experts in Armenia. Through short video clips, outdoor advertising, and social media content, it highlights their positive impact and advocates for their increased involvement in these critical processes.
The initiative is led by the OxYGen Foundation, a development and advocacy organization, in collaboration with Artemis Alliance, an international network of civil society organizations addressing deliberately spread false information and promoting women’s safe and full participation in public life.
“The campaign adds value contributing to our currently ongoing projects on women empowerment and promotion of women participation in the peace processes in Armenia. The active engagement and increased confidence of women in the projects witnesses about their high potential and readiness to be part of the peace processes as an invaluable resource” said Margarita Hakobyan, Director of the OxYGen Foundation. “The campaign adds value contributing to our currently ongoing projects on women empowerment and promotion of women participation in the peace processes in Armenia. The active engagement and increased confidence of women in the projects witnesses about their high potential and readiness to be part of the peace processes as an invaluable resource.”
Prominent experts, including Sossi Tatikyan, Natalya Martirosyan, and Anna Gevorgyan, will share their experiences, challenges, and perspectives through interviews and articles. These women have made significant contributions to Armenia’s peace and security landscape over the years, often in the face of considerable challenges.
Sossi Tatikyan, a renowned foreign policy expert, emphasizes the unique perspective women bring to the table: “Women usually pay more attention to aspects of human security, human rights, justice, and inclusive development. We’re not just mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, or support staff for men involved in the security and military structures. Women have started to be involved in security agencies themselves, and this involvement needs to extend to policy-making and decision-making levels.”
The campaign addresses several critical needs in Armenia’s approach to peace and security:
- Improving the effectiveness and sustainability of peace negotiations
- Inspiring the next generation of female leaders in peace and security
- Highlighting the importance of women’s expertise in creating lasting peace
By showcasing the valuable contributions of women like Tatikyan, Martirosyan, and Gevorgyan, the campaign aims to challenge existing perceptions and encourage greater inclusion of women in all levels of peace and security processes.
ENDS
For more information, campaign videos, or to schedule interviews with featured experts, contact: [email protected], 091 41 97 56
Notes for Editors
About the Research
According to research by UN Women and the Council on Foreign Relations, when women meaningfully participate in peace talks, the resulting agreement is 64% less likely to fail and 35% more likely to last at least 15 years.
- https://wps.unwomen.org/participation/
- https://reliefweb.int/report/world/uk-warns-peace-talks-fail-without-women
About OxYGen Foundation: OxYGen Foundation is a development and advocacy organization committed to promoting inclusive and sustainable progress in Armenia.
About Artemis Alliance: Artemis Alliance is an international network of civil society organizations addressing deliberately spread false information and promoting women’s safe and full participation in public life.
