OSCE promotes civic activism and women’s political participation in Armenia

From 23 to 26 July 2013, some 70 representatives of Armenian civil society organizations and political parties took part in a conference that looked at how to improve public participation and ensure the inclusion of women in government policies.

The event focused on the challenges Armenia faces with regard to democratic processes, and provided an opportunity for the attendees, which included government officials, political party leaders and civil society activists, to discuss subjects such as state policies toward non-governmental, the protection of political rights and civil liberties, and institutional accountability. 

“Quality democracies are built on a foundation of inclusion, participation and accountability. The OSCE is committed to supporting a dialogue on these issues among leaders and policy makers,” said Ambassador Andrey Sorokin, the Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan in his opening speech. He was joined at the opening of the event by the Vice-speaker of the National Assembly, Hermine Naghdalyan, and the President of the Armenian Association of Women with University Education, Jemma Hasratyan.

The conference is part of a series of events aimed at furthering democratic dialogue.  It was organized by the non-governmental organization, Armenian Association of Women with University Education, in co-operation with the Armenian National Assembly and with support from the OSCE Office. The event received financial support from the Netherlands Embassy in Tbilisi.