Top Armenian official: Women’s involvement in security system is a ‘strategic necessity'

A senior Armenian security official said on Thursday that the involvement of women in the country’s security system, particularly in the military, is a strategic necessity.

Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan made the remarks at the Effective Defense and Security: Advancing Women’s Meaningful Participation in Armenia’s Armed Forces and Beyond international conference.

He said that the security of the 21st century requires the combined and complementary capabilities of all citizens—both women and men. Therefore, he said, for Armenia the involvement of women in the security system, particularly in the armed forces, is not merely symbolic but a strategic necessity.

“Modern security structures require diverse capabilities—cultural sensitivity, language skills, expertise in cybersecurity, proficiency in information technology, as well as psychological and social understanding and the ability to communicate effectively with local self-governing bodies. Studies conducted in different countries show that balanced participation of women and men in the armed forces enhances the effectiveness of these institutions, allowing them to solve complex problems more successfully,” Grigoryan said.

He noted that women still remain a minority in the defense and security sector, especially in leadership positions. Therefore, the Armenian government is taking consistent measures to promote women’s participation and create more inclusive opportunities.

“A significant example is the voluntary six-month military service for women, which allows women aged 18–27 to undergo military training and, upon successful completion of service, receive a payment of approximately 2,500 euros. A concrete example of women’s service in Armenia is the formation of a women’s battalion, composed entirely of female servicemembers,” Grigoryan said.

He added that the women’s battalion has separate facilities and developed infrastructure to ensure the proper organization of service and the achievement of effective results. Grigoryan particularly emphasized the participation of Armenian female soldiers in international peacekeeping missions, which strengthens Armenia’s contribution to global security and peace.

Women’s involvement has gradually expanded into several new professional fields, including military medicine, logistics, military education, and certain intelligence roles.

“Outside the Armenian Armed Forces, there is a broader culture of inclusivity. Today, women occupy some of the highest positions in internal and external security and the justice sector. For example, the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Minister of Justice, the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, and the Prosecutor General are all women. These examples show progress in security management, but they also highlight that much work remains to achieve the desired results. High-ranking female officials inspire many young girls, demonstrating that opportunities exist for them,” the Security Council Secretary explained.

He believes that female leaders, by setting an example, expand the horizons of young girls’ aspirations, offering hope for a better future. Grigoryan emphasized that addressing the equal participation of women in the security sector is only possible when similar efforts are made across other sectors of public life. Therefore, this issue requires a comprehensive approach.

According to the Secretary, the executive branch, the National Assembly, the judiciary, civil society, and the media all have significant work to do in this area.

“In October of this year, ahead of the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (‘Women, Peace, and Security’), Armenia developed the third national action plan, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening the role of women and combating violence against them. At the international legal level, Armenia adheres to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, international humanitarian law, and standards established by the International Labour Organization,” Grigoryan said.

He also stressed the importance of oversight mechanisms. According to him, the National Assembly, NGOs, and the Human Rights Defender’s office play a significant role in promoting equality for women in defense and security institutions, preventing discrimination or harassment, as women’s participation strengthens transparency and supports the implementation of necessary reforms.

“Armenia’s vision of security is comprehensive, encompassing human rights protection, institutional trust, democratic stability, and social inclusivity. Women’s participation across the entire security system—from ministries to command chains, from peacekeeping missions to the frontlines—enhances our national capacity and strengthens the foundations for long-term peace. Armenia continues its reform path, and we are determined to work closely with international partners whose expertise, support, and engagement contribute to reforms that are vital for collective security and regional stability,” Grigoryan concluded.