Gender equality measures

On 20 May 2013, the Law of the Republic of Armenia “On ensuring equal rights and equal opportunities for women and men” entered into force which prescribes the guarantees for ensuring equal rights and equal opportunities of women and men in political, social, economic, cultural and other fields of social life and regulates the relations arising with regard thereto. The purpose of the mentioned Law is to ensure gender equality in all fields of social life, provide legal protection of men and women against gender-based discrimination, encourage the formation of civil society and foster democratic relations in the society. For the purpose of promoting gender equality and preventing gender-based discrimination, state agencies of the Republic of Armenia, in co-operation with international organisations (OSCE Office in Yerevan, UN Population Fund, etc.), implement programmes aimed at capacity-building of female politicians, assist the authorities and the civil society in improving the legislation on gender equality, support women resource centres, manage the work with mass media with a view to improving the coverage of gender issues and breaking the stereotypes. Resource centres help women start their own business and support them in becoming more independent and active. Within the framework of the “Strategic Gender Policy Programme of the Republic of Armenia for 2011-2015”, various events have been organised in the field of culture in the context of cinematography and protection of intangible heritage, namely the “KIN” Women’s International Film Festival (which brings together about 80 women directors from 25 countries every year), the “Reminiscence of the Taste of the Country”, “Lavash” and national food festivals (which brings together 100-140 women every year), the “Bread Festival”. In different fields of art, works of women actively engaged in cultural activities are presented. Besides, the opportunity to engage in state cultural institutions is now equally accessible to both women and men. The ideas of gender equality in the field of culture are presented through individual events, i.e. in the form round-table discussions, interviews, and discussions with public organisations.