Young women carrying posters gathered in front of the Armenian presidential residence on November 24. They were protesting against amendments to the Armenian Law on Temporary Disability Benefits.

“We hope we can change something, as the consequences will not take long,” one of the participants, Anush, told NEWS.am. According to her, the young women and expectant mothers hope they can prevent the adoption of amendments.

“We wish we our voice could be heard,” she said.

President Serzh Sargsyan has signed the amendments to the Armenian laws “On temporary disability benefits”, ““Profit tax”, “Compulsory social security payments.” The amendments to the Law “On temporary disability benefits” caused public discontent. Specifically, according to the amendments, maternity benefits will be paid only for working days rather than for all the 140 days of maternity leave as before.