Discussions about peace gain real meaning when people living in border communities are actively involved. For them, peace is not just a beautiful word used in documents, but a conscious choice, a decision, and a responsibility.
Within the framework of the “Women for Peace and Security” project, a three-day study visit brought together women from six border communities of Armenia, aiming to strengthen their capacities in peacebuilding processes and increase their impact at the local level.
During the study tour participants visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and had meeting with Ms. Karine Soujayan, Head of the Department of Human Rights and Humanitarian Issues of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the Interagency Commission on #1325 National Action Plan.
The group visited also the UN Office in Armenia were had a very productive conversation with Ms. Françoise Jacob the UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia, Artak Ayunts, Peace and Development Advisor at the UN Office in Armenia and UN Women expert Olga Azatyan.
They also had the opportunity to discuss a range of pressing issues related to gender stereotypes and women’s participation with Ms. Isidora Roskic, Gender and Human Rights Advisor of the EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia.
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As part of the visit, political analyst Tigran Grigoryan spoke about regional developments, the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace and dialogue processes, as well as their risks and opportunities.
The group then actively engaged in capacity-building trainings. In particular, Women, Peace and Security expert Knarik Mkrtchyan delivered a comprehensive session on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and Armenia’s Third National Action Plan on its implementation.
Psychologist Sirvard Bezirdjyan and journalist Hakob Karapetyan addressed mental self-regulation mechanisms and stress management in unpredictable or emergency situations, the ability to keep one’s own compass amid information overload, and the importance of critically analyzing what we hear and read.
During Gevorg Ter-Gabrielyan’s lecture, participants explored the topics of women, war, and peace from a social construct perspective, expanding their understanding and opening space for deeper discussion.
The three-day study visit concluded with practical work, during which, combining the knowledge and skills gained, women from border communities developed small community initiatives aimed at promoting women’s participation.
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The project is implemented by the Armenian Committee of Helsinki Civil Assembly (HCA) in partnership with the Eurasia Partnership Foundation (EPF), with the support of the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC). It is funded by the Rapid Response Window of the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund.
Eurasia Partnership Foundation-Armenia
