Yerevan, June 17, 2025 – Armenia has officially celebrated Fathers’ Day for the first time, emphasizing the significant role fathers play in their children’s lives.
The event was initiated by UNFPA in Armenia, in collaboration with UN Armenia, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, the National Assembly, and Youth Initiatives Center NGO, as part of the EU-funded ‘EU 4 Gender Equality: Together Against Gender Stereotypes and Gender-Based Violence’ programme (phase 2).
“From now on, we will celebrate Fathers’ Day in Armenia. This is yet another sign that we value men. At the policy level, we have made strong commitments, including through the new Demographic Strategy and Action Plan. Responsible fatherhood is one of the key guarantees for creating a balanced environment and ensuring a full childhood for children,” said Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Tatevik Stepanyan, at the opening of the event.
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The celebration brought families together to emphasize the essential role of engaged fatherhood—not only for the well-being of children, but also of mothers, families, and society as a whole.
“As a father of five, and as a citizen, I can say that being a father is a profound responsibility. It takes commitment, care, and close partnership with mothers to raise our children. Fatherhood is not a solo role—it’s a shared project. That’s why we, as the European Union, are proud to support initiatives like the Papa Clubs and Papa Schools, which help foster more engaged and present fatherhood in Armenia,” stressed Bruno Montariol, International Aid/Cooperation Officer, EU Delegation to Armenia.
Member of the Parliament of Armenia Zaruhi Batoyan, who initiated the designation of June 17 as Fathers’ Day in Armenia’s official holiday calendar, said: “I have seen many examples of fathers breaking stereotypes. Although traditional views still persist that fathers must be strict or emotionally reserved, however today, we already have new, positive examples. When a father is not only a provider and protector, but also a child’s friend, motivator, and caregiver. Those stories deserve to be seen and heard. I hope this day becomes an opportunity to highlight them.”
Families from Yerevan and the regions of Armenia participated in the team game “We and Dad – One Team.”
“From the age of 6 to 12, my father was the one who truly shaped my life. He was also the one who taught me about equality—between men and women, among all people, and about loving and caring for our environment. He had strong values, and he passed them on. He had strong values, and he passed them on. I genuinely believe, from my own experience, that fathers play a crucial role, equally with mothers, in ensuring that children grow up in a stable, emotionally balanced, and intellectually enriched environment. The United Nations stands with Armenia in promoting engaged and positive fatherhood. This is a shared responsibility and a step toward a more equal and caring society,” said Françoise Jacob, UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia.
Throughout the event, families captured joyful moments at a dedicated photo booth, and in the DIY zone, participants created symbolic crafts representing love and care for each other.
“This day allows us not only to celebrate fathers, but also to talk about fatherhood that is grounded in caregiving, attention, and shared parenting. We support the enhancement of policies that allow fathers to be fully present in their children’s lives, so they don’t miss a single precious moment of that journey,” said Taguhi Harutyunyan, Head of Office, Officer-in-Charge, Gender Programme Analyst, UNFPA in Armenia․
Artur Najaryan, President of the Youth Initiatives Center NGO, noted that the EU-funded Papa Clubs are helping promote responsible and engaged fatherhood in the targeted regions of Armenia. “Papa Club sessions foster more harmonious relationships, promote equal involvement in daily life and childcare, and highlight important topics such as personal health and self-education․ It is crucial that this model becomes institutionalized and continues to promote engaged fatherhood,” he added.
This publication is produced in the framework of the “EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence” programme (phase 2), funded by the European Union, and implemented jointly by UN Women and UNFPA. Its contents are the sole responsibility of UN Women and UNFPA and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
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