Defense Minister encourages women to actively engage in military service

Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has called on women to actively make use of military service options.

Speaking at a press conference, Papikyan said that the main obstacle in this regard is stereotypes.

“We have a problem with breaking stereotypes. Women also face the challenge of breaking stereotypes, because when equal opportunities are provided, we often refrain from making use of that equality,” he noted.

Papikyan added that if such opportunities did not exist for women, opposing claims could be voiced in society. According to him, it cannot be ruled out that many Armenian women today have the desire to serve the homeland, but stereotypes formed by family members, close circles, or society stand in their way.

“It is the brother, the father, the husband, and the surrounding environment that hinder them,” the defense minister emphasized.

He said that the Ministry of Defense plans to more intensively highlight women’s involvement in the military sphere. 

“We plan to express our gratitude to these women and encourage them, because they are truly important. I must make their role more visible and widespread, and I also expect your support, because without it this will not be possible,” Papikyan told reporters.