The protection of women’s labor rights is in the interests of the family, the employer and the state

            On October 7, the International Day for Decent Work, the activities carried out within the framework of the “Advocacy for the Protection of the Rights of Women in Early Maternity” program, which was carried out in cooperation with the “Ket 33” NGO and the “Friedrich Ebert” Foundation, were summarized.

“The issues of women’s labor rights and limited realization of their potential are urgent not only in Armenia. In Germany, these women often deal with the issue of family-career balance. The change in working conditions due to Covid, the employer-employee agreement on flexible working hours, made it possible to reveal statistics in Germany that confirm the proper fulfillment of work responsibilities for women with children. In other words, it is completely possible to combine career and quality work while being at home with the child, “said Felix Heth, Head of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation’s Regional Office for the South Caucasus.

Astghik Karapetyan, President of the “Whale 33” organization, presented the work done within the framework of the program, including the inspiring videos shot about women who have achieved success in their careers, who, despite difficulties, were able to successfully combine family and work. At the same time, many of these women, who are also leaders, try to create a comfortable environment in their institutions to ease the worries of colleagues who have children.

Within the framework of the project, illustrations-stories were created, the purpose of which is to raise women’s awareness about their rights.

A study was conducted and published on legal guarantees and support programs for the protection of women’s labor rights during early motherhood.

Presenting the research work, Astghik Karapetyan mentioned that the issue was viewed not only from the point of view of women, but also family welfare and pro-family approaches. According to her, the creation of a pro-family environment in the workplace contributes not only to the material and emotional well-being of the family, but also to the interests of the employer and the state.

Heriknaz Tigranyan, Chairman of the NA Committee on Labor and Social Affairs, made her observations on the issues identified as a result of the research and the proposals for their solution, and expressed readiness for cooperation and joint work on them.

Full text in Armenian