Postscript. Jemma Hasratyan passed away 

Famous public and political figure Jemma Hasratyan passed away on February 6. She was one of those people who, by her personal qualities and her past symbolized an entire era. In the creation of a new generation of textbooks, and then gained new momentum in the field of public activity, when she, inspiring with enviable enthusiasm, founded one of the largest organizations in the country, the Association of Women with University Education, thus laying the groundwork for a new quality women’s movement.

Many people have posted on social media these days about Jemma Hasratyan saying words of gratitude, remembering that she had a unique talent for uniting, inspiring, organizing people, that for many people she paved the way for politics, social activities or supporting career growth. She saw and awakened the potential hidden in everyone, guided and gave them the go-ahead, set ambitious goals and demanded the seemingly impossible… Her undeniable reputation was accepted by everyone, regardless of age and experience, and her diligence and energy were contagious to everyone…

Under the leadership of Jemma Hasratyan, the Association of Women with University Education grew into a large association of women with 33 branches throughout the country. At the same time, the association brought a new word, a new way of working and scientific approaches to the public sphere. International conferences, gender studies, women’s leadership schools and other educational programs, advocacy campaigns and coalitions, analysis and reports on the situation of women in various fields, newsletters… in short, everything that has become a common practice in human rights activities today. This new approach was introduced and developed on the initiative of Jemma Hasratyan, and later it was expanded due to the staff and numerous followers she raised. In this sense, Jemma Hasratyan played a significant role in shaping a new way of thinking and culture of public activity and establishing a women’s movement in Armenia.

There is a lot of talk today about the development of women’s leadership, in that sense, for me and, I think, for many, many people who have ever gone to school, Jemma Hasratyan has been an unsurpassed figure of women’s leadership, purposefulness and dedication to work.

Internal responsibility for people and work did not leave her alone for a second, that is why she worked and kept in touch with current and former members of the organization until the last moment… She had new plans, was going to organize the presentation of her recently published memoire.

Rest in peace, dear senior friend, dear teacher and unsurpassed leader…