“We have a misconception that mothers’ problems in the labor market begin and end during physical leave, while the problems are multifaceted, from legislative gaps to cultural ones,” said in an interview with WomenNet.am the co-founder and chairman of “Ket 33” journalist Astghik Karapetyan;
WomenNet.am once presented to its readers the study conducted by the organization “Study on the protection of women’s rights during early motherhood, this time we are talking about possible solutions to existing problems – raising the awareness of young mothers about their labor rights.
The main goal is to create a pro-family work environment in Armenia
It should be reminded that the organization was founded on July 1, 2020. It is the only one in Armenia that deals with the protection of labor rights of women in early motherhood. According to President Astghik Karapetyan, their main goal is to create a pro-family work environment in Armenia.
“Women’s non-involvement in the labor market, neglect of their resources is a luxury for the state”
The organization raises issues of policy development, legislative reform, addresses mothers’ concerns, supports them by providing legal assistance, and raises awareness of their rights and freedoms.
The chairman of “Point 33” says that there are enough grounds in Armenia to create a pro-family work environment. The organization’s research shows that Armenia is not only inferior to a number of leading countries in terms of legislative regulations and social guarantees, but also surpasses them. The problem is the implementation of those guarantees and the realization of rights in practice․
“Many people just do not know how they can defend their labor rights”
According to her, one of the biggest problems is the low level of women’s awareness. Many simply do not know how to protect their employment rights, do not seek clarification of the terms of the contract with the employer, as well as the proper performance of their duties.
“Women often face the dilemma of work or child care”
Today the organization is seriously engaged in programs aimed at promoting breastfeeding in the workplace. Previously, “Point 33” conducted research on this topic, within the framework of which inquiries were also sent for information on the availability of working hours and canteens to the staffs of the RA President, the Prime Minister, the National Assembly, 12 ministries. For example, it became clear from the answers that there are no canteens in any of these structures and the reason is that there was no need to have them.
As a possible solution, the organization offers to have breastfeeding rooms not only in the workplace, but also in penitentiaries, health organizations and other public places.
“In fact, these are very simple solutions that will not only significantly improve the working conditions of women, will help women in early motherhood to return to work as smoothly as possible, but will also help to create a public demand for pro-family working conditions, which, by the way, It is not only in the interests of women, but also of the whole society and the state, ”says Astghik Karapetyan.
Full text in Armenian
