Women have low representation in Armenia's parliament female population’s majority – British ambassador

Women constitute over 50% of Armenia’s population, whereas only 10% of Armenian MPs are women, while women must constitute at least 20% of MPs, British Ambassador to Armenia Judith Farnworth stated on the sidelines of a 16-day campaign against violence against women.

The ambassador inquired about the male/female ratio in Armenia’s future parliament, and cited Great Britain’s example, with the queen and female premier holding the reins. However, they do not believe that satisfactory work has been done.

The British Parliament has 30% of women MPs, with 25% of women engaged in business. However, a strategy is being implemented to ensure more equal conditions, Ms Judith Farnworth said. 

Women’s involvement facilitates democratization as better political decisions are made with women’s opinions considered. 

Protection of women’s rights is one of the top priorities in Great Britain, and the British government recently launched an international campaign to enhance women’s role and prevent violence against women in conflict zones.

Ms Farnworth added that the Embassy’s projects and Yerevan propose cooperation development initiatives relying on the gender equality principle as a cornerstone of fostering the economy.

She said they are concerned over women’s low activity in the economic sector. Meantime the ambassador the importance of education as an important factor for raising women’s role.