Zaruhi Postanjyan: “We say no mind, even if men are afraid, let them stand behind us”

The “Yerkir Tsirani” party led by Zaruhi Postanjyan appeared in the political field of Armenia a year ago. In the modern history of Armenia, this was not the first political force to be led by women, but perhaps it was the first whose female leader tried to direct it towards an extremist, non-compromising opposition. Was it a political calculation to attract the attention of the voters, as well as the manifestation of the rebelliousness of the leader of the party? … Perhaps in this case the complementary principle worked successfully. As a result, Zaruhi Postanjyan is the most widely discussed female politician who does not fit into the stereotypes about women’s place and role, speaking for innovative approaches to the Armenian political field and assuming the role of the so-called “rule breaker”.

As a lawyer in the court, as a MP in the National Assembly, as an elder in the Yerevan City Hall, as a demonstrator in the street, Zaruhi Postanjyan has always displayed a unique style of action, which has often triggered sharp criticisms.

Thanks to the knowledge gained at the Warsaw Higher School of Human Rights and the Swedish Lund University, Postanjyan herself was involved in human rights activities. At the beginning of career, she worked in human rights organizations, the Helsinki Association and the Women’s Rights Center. She says that the experience had a direct impact on her, as she is currently pursuing legal and political ideas.

“The political structure of our country is absolutely authoritarian, so people cannot afford to do what we are doing. People are constrained, and this is often the reason why some of our actions are unacceptable to them. But when there is no court, there is no political just structure, you have no other opportunity. We are not pleasant enough to choose these funds, especially because they often have dangers in them, but you have no alternative and you need to resort to risky measures and not be afraid of the consequences. ”

The “Yerkir Tsirani” party often visits provinces in order to call on citizens to protest. Postanjyan says that it is no longer strange for citizens to see the loudspeaker in the hands of a woman who leads marches and demonstrations. “I think women’s leadership is particularly demanded today. After the war many men have left for work abroad, and women realize that they have the responsibility to make decisions. We say no mind, even if men are afraid, let them stand behind us, and we will lead, “says Postanjyan.

Although Zaruhi Postanjyan acts as a liberal politician, in her speeches, there are often approaches that resemble nationalism. Postanjyan, however, considers herself not a nationalist, but a national figure.

Full text in Armenian