The targeting of women, especially female politicians, in Armenia is a longstanding issue often discussed in professional circles and by relevant state institutions as Women’s Day approaches.
This year is slightly different, as the unofficial pre-election period in Armenia has kicked off. Many women involved in politics are encountering gender-based discrimination and smear campaigns, which range from offensive comments to the spreading of rumors and misleading narratives.
Our interviewees share personal examples confirming that women are targeted in Armenia. They state that this targeting occurs not only by their opponents on social networks but also by the media.
Everyone notes that upon entering politics, they anticipated being targeted and facing unexpected challenges; they certainly did not have “rose-colored glasses” on.
“We must ensure that the next generation is more confident in public life”
Anahit Avetisyan
RA Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan was targeted last month for dancing to a song by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during the “Varchabend” event. She noted that while there is some recognition of active women in general, politically active women attract a distinct and more critical attitude.
“There are high expectations placed on them, including the pressure of not making mistakes. I understand why: for many years, certain roles have been assigned to men and women. When someone attempts to break free from these stereotypical roles and exhibits different behavior, society tends to react. Due to its conservative nature and the discomfort with unusual behaviors, society often feels the need to ‘bring the person back’ to the prescribed role or stereotype.”
At the same time, the minister notes that the situation has indeed changed over time, emphasizing that each generation benefits from the achievements of those who came before. She cites her mother, who was also involved in politics and faced more discrimination. “We must ensure that the next generation is more confident in public life, pursues its dreams, and actively contributes to the development of our country,” says Anahit Avanesyan.
The minister acknowledges that she is particularly sensitive to campaigns targeting the family or children. “Insults targeting family and children are more hurtful than comments about appearance, personal matters, or offensive language. However, when it concerns family and children, it strikes a chord because, as a mother and an Armenian woman, I view my family as the circle that I have to protect,” she notes.
Anahit Avanesyan recalls a recent publication in which a media outlet filmed her conversation with Defense Minister Suren Papikyan at the National Assembly. The publication was titled: “Avanesyan, who just sent her two sons to the army, speaks with the Defense Minister.”
“From the title, one might assume that I was asking for something from the Minister of Defense, but I was speaking as a minister, not as the mother of two soldiers. The reactions have been quite interesting, and I appreciate our citizens for providing hundreds of responses, including some that were critical. Do you understand that the issue is not the fact itself, but the inappropriate tone of the comments? Prior to this, you did not seem to notice that my two sons are serving in the army, and I ask that you continue to ignore that,” says Minister Avanesyan.
“When people ask how I protect myself from being targeted, I tell them I don’t protect myself; I smile.”
Anahit Manasyan
Human rights defender Anahit Manasyan shares that she faces daily targeting, yet she remains undeterred and continues to smile in the face of adversity. She refuses to change her appearance to appease critics. As an ombudsman, she identifies prejudice as the primary reason for discrimination against women. Manasyan explains that women involved in public activities and decision-making are targeted because of the belief that “women cannot hold any positions because they are weaker than men.”
“Many people cannot imagine that a woman can achieve great success at work solely based on her professional abilities and past experience. The prevailing belief is that success is usually attained through the support of family, a husband, friends, or others. Additionally, some people hold the misconception that a woman who has reached professional success cannot also find personal fulfillment. There is a prevailing prejudice that if a woman engages in public activities, she will not have the time to start a family or have a personal life,” states Anahit Manasyan.
While the ombudsman says there is an increase in women holding decision-making positions, it does not mean that prejudices have diminished.
The human rights defender recounts an incident in which a group of men, some of whom claimed to be human rights defenders, systematically shared a photo of a woman on social media, mocking her appearance.
Anahit Manasyan reflects, “When people ask how I protect myself from being targeted, I tell them I don’t protect myself; I smile. I try to differentiate between healthy criticism and targeted attacks. Healthy criticism is one thing, but when they are specifically targeting me, that’s something entirely different.”
She urges the media to exercise caution and avoid spreading negative expressions and thoughts that target women.
“Until recently, politics in Armenia was a clearly male-dominated arena.”
Anna Grigoryan
Anna Grigoryan, a member of the “Armenia” faction, stated that attempts to undermine her do not affect her and that her family stands firmly by her side. She believes that the aim of targeting women in politics is to discourage their involvement and to silence their voices and opinions.
“My political opponents should have realized long ago that their attacks do not affect me. I have a strong will and a clear sense of purpose; I know what I am doing. I am grateful to have a supportive family, my husband, my child, my parents, and my in-laws, who stand firmly beside me,” Grigoryan stated. She also acknowledged that while she is “not made of stone,” being targeted as a mother does upset her. However, she emphasized that this does not affect her actions.
“My son is at an age where he comes across various videos and posts, and we discuss them together. He often encounters obviously false information and asks me why people spread such things. I explain that these are tactics meant to pressure me. We both agree that being targeted should not keep me silent or prevent me from speaking out,” shares the opposition MP honestly.
The opposition MP pointed out that the women in the ruling majority remain silent and do not condemn the targeting of opposition women. “On the contrary, they participate in these attacks. I cannot recall any of my male colleagues targeting a female MP from the opposition party. If I’m mistaken, I apologize, but I do not remember a clear instance of this happening. Instead, we witness the opposite behavior. I find it hard to believe a man can respect a woman at home and say, ‘Dear girl, go take a test’ in the National Assembly,” she stated.
Anna Grigoryan uses the famous phrase “this is a man’s world” to describe the political landscape in Armenia.
She notes, “Until recently, politics in Armenia was a clearly male-dominated arena. However, the role of women is becoming more prominent, and women are now much more active than many men. When people compliment me, they often say, ‘She’s worth a thousand men’ or ‘This girl is worth a thousand men.’ I recently came across a reel that featured my speech, and called me ‘the only man in the hall.’ I understand the sentiment behind that statement, but it reflects a reality where women are expected to adopt male characteristics in order to have their voices accepted.”
