Aida Sargsyan: “Our experience will serve as an example for other women”

Aida Sargsyan is an accountant and president of the trade union of Gyulagarak community in Lori province. She nominated her candidacy for the Gulyagarak community council to be elected in November’s local elections. Married, has two children, grandchildren and is 53 years old.

– What is the reason you decided to start politics?

– To tell the truth, I wanted to participate in the elections many years ago. At that time my registration was in Vanadzor, but my son’s wife was nominated for the Council of Elderly during the previous elections. I did not want to interefere. This time, the staff of my school encouraged me and said that I should definitely nominate my candidature. And I decided to participate.

– What do you think? Why do just a few women nominate their candidacy in the elections?

– It is accepted that the woman should stay in the kitchen at home. But I do not think so. Today, the woman works more and more about her family’s concerns than the man. Woman  directs the man, mostly she does everything.

– Why do you think people should elect you?

  – I think that mostly women are going to vote for me. Also those men men who will find that I can, that I am quite active.

Unfortunately, many people still elect according to a friendly-friendly principle, often saying, “Dear Aida, we love and respect you very much, but one of our friends has nominated and we  have no option of not electing him.

Full text in Armenian