International Men’s Day is celebrated for the first time in Armenia

On the initiative of the United Nations Population Fund, November 19 is celebrated as International Men’s Day for the first time in Armenia.

This morning, visitors were greeted by a series of posters announcing the International Men’s Day at five stations of the Yerevan Metro. The students of Hetq Media Factory talked to metro visitors and asked them if they are aware of International Men’s Day.

On the occasion of the International Men’s Day, the results of the “My Father” essay competition were summarized and an award ceremony was held.

Speaking about the involvement of men, Eduard Israelyan, head of the “Future Today” program at the Armenian office of the UN Population Fund, emphasized that it is not possible to achieve full legal equality without the involvement of men. Taking this into account, the Armenian office of the United Nations Population Fund strives to promote the equality of women and men and encourage responsible fatherhood in Armenia.

“All parties benefit when men are more present in the lives of their families and children. We, as an organization, are among the first in Armenia on that path and will work to involve more and more parties,” he said.

The event organized by the NGO “Center for Youth Initiatives” brought together the representatives of regional governorates, the Armenian office of the United Nations Population Fund and the community, as well as the young participants of the essay competition entitled “My Father”.

“This event dedicated to International Men’s Day is an opportunity to once again emphasize the importance of the role of men and fathers in the family, particularly in the matter of child care and education. We believe that the basis of a healthy and happy society are families where there are caring men, fathers involved in parenting and understanding husbands,” said Artur Najarian, chairman of the International Council of the “Youth Initiatives Center” NGO, advisor to Shirak Governor, in his welcoming speech.

Referring to the essay competition, Artur Najarian noted that the 13-16-year-old girls and boys presented their ideas about the role of the father in a wonderful way.

The participants of the event watched “The EU for the equality of women and men. “Fathers are important” social videos created within the framework of the “Together Against Gender Stereotypes and Violence” regional project, which present famous Armenian fathers who share the responsibility of family care.

At the end of the event, participants also had the opportunity to continue discussions on responsible fatherhood and the importance of male involvement.

Full text in Armenian