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Issues concerning gender-selective abortions in Armenia were discussed during the launch of the Advisory Committee session on “Combating Gender-Biased Sex Selection in Armenia”.
At the beginning, Deputy Minister for Healthcare Sergey Khachatryan called to carry out daily work aimed at enhancing women’s role.

“For a long time now we’ve been talking about gender-selective abortions, today there really are some results to summarize and understand to what extent our work has been effective. It is very pleasant to notice that the numbers have decreased,” said Sergey Khachatryan, mentioning that certain legislative amendments are planned to reduce the number of gender-selective abortions.

Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Filaret Berikyan, also present at the session, said that major changes have been introduced to public perception of gender-selective abortions with the combined efforts of civil society and state institutions.
 
“The problem can be faced through convincing arguments, people will understand that. I consider sex-selective abortions a type of gender violence,” he said adding that all the problems outlined will be resolved through various legislative methods.

It should be noted, that the program “Combating Gender-Biased Sex Selection in Armenia” is implemented by International Center for Human Development (ICDH) NGO in partnership with Save the Children Netherlands, Armavir Development Center (ADC), Martuni Women's Community Council (MWCC) and Save the Children International (STC). The project is financed by the European Commission.

The project aims at contributing to reduction of gender-biased sex selection in Armenia and will result in at least 15% positive change in knowledge, attitude and perception of target population groups toward gender-biased sex selection and at least 10% reduction in number of selective abortions.

The impact is expected to be reached through three major outcomes:  Local CSOs, community leaders and authorities are equipped with knowledge and skills and have understanding of the negative consequences of gender-biased sex selection; positive change in public perception and attitude towards gender-biased sex selection is achieved; and, policy framework is effective in prevention of gender-biased sex selection.

“Combating Gender-Biased Sex Selection in Armenia” is financed by the European Union, which will allocate a maximum amount of 750,000 euros. Additionally, a maximum amount of 42,000 euros are to be provided by partner organizations.