The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia held a dialogue on 26 May with civil society organisations (CSOs) on state-funded programmes to advance equal opportunities during the 2027-2029 period. 

Organised with the support of the EU4Gender Equality Reform Helpdesk project, funded by the European Union and implemented by Niras, the meeting was led by the Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Tatevik Stepanyan. 

Over 60 participants attended the event, including representatives from the ministry and various CSOs that focus on issues related to gender equality, women’s and children’s rights, trafficking in human beings, as well as issues affecting people with disabilities and the elderly.

The hybrid event, conducted both online and in-person, provided an opportunity for civil society organisations that implement state-funded programmes or provide social services with the ministry’s financial support to learn about the programmes planned for the next three years. In Armenia, state budget funding is allocated according to a medium-term expenditure framework that spans three-year periods. This framework serves as the basis for the annual state budget, allowing the government to allocate funds in line with its policy priorities and medium-term budget objectives.

During the meeting, each division of the ministry provided an overview of its programmes, detailing target beneficiaries, proposed funding allocations, and the social services to be offered. These programmes address a wide range of issues, including support for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, initiatives to promote the social inclusion of persons with disabilities, day care services for children, and assistance for the elderly. 

Additionally, the ministry presented ongoing sub-legislative amendments to establish new criteria for the care of children and the elderly, as well as broader reforms that are currently being implemented.

This public discussion was organised as part of the EU4Gender Equality Reform Helpdesk Project’s support for gender equality and women’s empowerment across the Eastern Neighbourhood region, including in Armenia. Further details on the event are available on the website of Armenia’s Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. 

Learn more about the EU’s support for gender equality in the Eastern Neighbourhood region

Factsheet on the EU4Gender Reform Helpdesk Phase II

EU4Gender Equality Reform Helpdesk Phase II project page

Gender Equality Library

EU4Gender Equality Reform Helpdesk Phase I project page

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