FM Mirzoyan calls for crackdown on domestic violence and discrimination against women

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has called for strong measures to combat discrimination against women and domestic violence in Armenia. 

“I believe it is high time for us to admit that discrimination against women exists in Armenia. Moreover, violence against women and domestic violence exist in Armenia,” Mirzoyan said at the Cabinet meeting. 

Furthermore, Mirzoyan said the society has a stereotype falsely believing that such occurrences only take place in rural parts of the country. “But it exists in the capital too,” Mirzoyan said.

He criticized the double standards, when “pompous” praise is voiced for women publicly, whereas women often face disrespectful and violent attitude in real life. 

He said additional tools in education and psychological approaches can be used in the public and economic life in case of discrimination, whereas violence is totally unacceptable and unexplainable. 

Mirzoyan said the government ought to take decisive and systemic measures. He proposed the development of clear mechanisms: in the educational sector for prevention while in the interior ministry for rapid response.

“This must be among our priorities. We must wage an unwavering and decisive struggle against domestic violence,” he said.

During the Cabinet meeting the government approved the 2025-2028 gender policy strategy which aims at creating favorable conditions for ensuring equal rights and opportunities for men and women based on Armenia’s international obligations and studied experience.