The speech of Lilit Makunts, head of “My Step” faction
In an impressive and unprecedented victory of “people power” in Armenia, last year’s “Velvet Revolution” succeeded in restoring democracy, rebuilding public trust and regaining control over the future of the country.
Armenia’s Velvet Revolution was unique as a non-violent movement driven by a diverse constituency of the young and old, and the wealthy and the more impoverished, as well as both first-time demonstrators and experienced activists.
Under the leadership of Nikol Pashinyan, the movement was critical for a new generation of activism over apathy, where ordinary Armenians were able to forge a new period of democracy and economic development.
This new Armenia, as we see today, also reflects the power of educated and empowered females in Armenian society. And Armenia now stands as an example of the power and potential of people power. Armenia also stands out as a model of female leadership and activism.
My Personal Journey
For me, as an Armenian woman, it is clear that there is no alternative to ensuring gender equality. And based on my own experience, our “New Armenia” offers a welcome degree of optimism and refreshing potential.
As a woman educated in the United States, I am proud to note that Armenia has already embodied the ideals of gender equality, however.
It was Armenia, for example, that granted universal suffrage and gave the right to vote and run for public office to women well before many countries, including the United States. It was also Armenia that was built on the foundation of female sacrifice and the importance of family in the wake of the Armenian Genocide, for a generation that was challenged to survive.
It is today’s Armenia, however, that I have the honor to represent. As only the latest in a prominent group of impressive Armenian female politicians and parliamentarians, I am honored to take my place among a new generation of inspiring leaders. And as the first female leader of a parliamentary faction in Armenian history, I also assume the honor and responsibility of governance.
And this is a responsibility that I take very seriously, based on the recognition that as a member of a new, democratically-elected parliament, the political decisions we take today will affect generations of Armenians that follow. And each decision on public policy will also impact each citizen and resident of Armenia.
Our Mission & Mandate
Beyond my personal experience, however, I also share a collective responsibility with each Armenian. We have a commitment to meet their expectations, especially in terms of democracy and development. We are also committed to ensuring gender equality, through an emphasis on education and empowerment, for all.
As a woman, I see a need for a greater “equality of opportunity” for all, with a specific focus on equality for female members of the workforce and business community. For any country, and for Armenia in particular, any disparities and divisions between males and females in terms of salary, work or education will only limit development and damage the future.
And for Armenia, gender equality is and always has been a core value of our Armenian identity. Armenia is not a patriarchal society by choice, and any examples of sexism and intolerance are actually aberrations and exceptions from our true Armenian values.
The Promise of the “New Armenia”
But I am an optimist, based on promise and hope. And the promise of the “New Armenia” continues to motivate us. Moreover, it is crucial to stress that the most successful element of the Velvet Revolution was actually the psychological revolution that is now underway in our new Armenia.
I am also an optimist, based on evidence: as we have succeeded in holding our first “free and fair” election in years, we are well on our way to a brighter future, where the arrogance of power and entrenched corruption are eradicated and erased.
And I remain an optimist, based on our advantages. Armenia’s advantages range from the talent and capacity of our people to the support of our global diaspora. As we reach out and engage each of our citizens and as we utilize the expertise and support of our global Armenian Diaspora, we hold a unique position as a role model, as an inspiration and motivation for democratic change and civic activism worldwide.
This also means that Armenia’s Velvet Revolution remains a dynamic process, and as an ongoing effort, will only accelerate reform and deepen democracy. And as we focus on gender equality, we will only move faster and further to forge new opportunities and force new openings for Armenia. Our women will be empowered and inspired, and our girls will never be afraid to dream big, aim high and defend their rights.
Thank you for your attention.
https://www.facebook.com/LilitMakuntspage/videos/2271757783035836/