Women in armed forces – what does the study show?

Social stereotypes existing in the Armenian society according to which women are not perceived as an important part of the security system, contradict to multilateralism of women’s role and function and particularly with the most important historical and current role of women in a security field, – it is a conclusion of Artur Atanesyan/ author of the research “Women in the RA armed forces: problems of self-perception, engagement, adaptation and improvement”. The research was conducted by the Center for Leadership and Gender studies of YSU.

Within the frame of the study 25 in-depth interviews with women were conducted, who are involved in different positions of Defense Ministry, military units and institutions. In addition, 10 surveys were conducted with military experts.

There are several important issues:

–         In order to increase efficiency of female military servants it is necessary to conduct additional infrastructural improvements.

–         The study showed that additional support was provided to female students of military institutions with regard to adaptation issues.

–         Social stereotypes existing in the Armenian society according to which women are not perceived as an important part of the security system, contradict to multilateralism of women’s role and function and particularly with the most important historical and current role of women in a security field.

–         Equal protection of both men’s and women’s rights is highlighted.

Full text in Armenian