Public opinion polls show 46.6% of respondents believe Armenian women are discriminated, while 41.1% disagree with this opinion, said head of Caucasus Research Center.

Presenting a “Survey on Gender Dimension of Civic and Political Participation in Armenia” Hovhannes Hovhannisyan said research was conducted  last year among 1200 residents of Yerevan, Shirak, Syunik, Armavir and Gegharkunik regions.

Hovahnnisyan stressed there are some positive changes as regards attitude towards women engaged in politics. “However, the society is still sceptical about the image of a woman- manager. It most cases women themselves are not confident in themselves and have already experienced disappointment participating in political and civil processes. A key factor is woman’s traditional role in family. She has more responsibilities and problems which prevents from her self-realization,” he said. Six percent of polleees claim gender violence is used against Armenian women.

UN Resident Representative in Armenia Dafina Gercheva noted that there are only two woman ministers and six deputy ministers in Armenia, while several hold offices in local municipalities.