Sofia Ayvazyan: “Woman is irreplaceable in every job”

Sofia Ayvazyan is the only female candidate for the council of the Akhtala community council. 21 men will compete with her on November 5^th  at the elections. Sofya Ayvazyan is a resident of the Big Ayrum community in Akhtala, and has been elected a member of the Council of Elders several times. Married, has two daughters. Since 2007 she has been the principal of the Big Ayrum school.

– What is the reason that you decided to run for the local elections this time?

“The first reason is that I am concerned about the conditions of our village, our school needs. I find that a woman must be active and be able to participate in all events around her and be both a supporter and a participant. I have been elected a member of the council four times and I hope that this time our residents will support me. If I am elected, I will try to deal with the concerns of the whole community and support the elected mayor so that we can work together to create favorable conditions not only in the center of the larger community, but also in all the communities included in Akhtala. The council cannot do everything, but it can guide the urgent issues that arise at any moment.

– What difficulties do you encounter with men?

-The men are more free in their time. I am at my work every day. Also, unlike men, I do not have the means to reach everywhere and communicate with people everywhere. In general, I do not find that any man can be less than or more than me.

How important do you consider the involvement of women in local self-government bodies?

  – We are a little different, we see every question from another perspective. A little bit gentle, more kind. With the right questions, with the right approach, we are able to solve every question and people are grateful, and I think that a woman spreads kindness everywhere and is indispensable in every job.

Full text in Armenian