Armenia PA

Discrimination in Armenia

  • Based on gender
  • Based on sexuality
  • Based on ethnicity

As part of the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project CACAT – Culture and Creative Arts as Tools in Non-Formal Education for Inclusion, the Armenian team conducted a comprehensive national research on discrimination and inclusion in Armenia. Their work focuses on key issues related to gender inequality, LGBTQ+ rights, and ethnic discrimination, offering valuable insight into the country's social dynamics and structural challenges. The research highlights striking data, real-life cases, and the voices of marginalized individuals, while also showcasing the vital role of art and youth initiatives in raising awareness and promoting inclusion. By connecting local realities with the project's creative goals, the Armenian team lays the groundwork for meaningful intercultural dialogue and transformative non-formal education experiences.

Gender-Based Discrimination:

  • Wage Gap: Women in Armenia earn 20% less than men on average.

The gender wage gap in Armenia is higher for women aged 50-54 (26.4%) or 55-59 (14.2%). It is also higher when the woman's location is in other urban areas (26.3%) or if her education is lower secondary (29.0%). Conversely, the gender wage gap is lower if the woman's location is the capital city of Yerevan (14.4%) or if her education is tertiary or post-graduate (18.3%)

  • Unpaid Labor: Women spend nearly twice as much time on household chores (1,118 hours) annually compared to men (571 hours).
  • Occupational Segregation:
  • Women are underrepresented in high-wage occupations like legislators, senior officials, and managers.
  • They are overrepresented in lower-wage occupations such as agricultural workers and service providers.
  • Even in better-paid industries, women are often employed in low-wage roles.
  • Educational Choices and Societal Expectations: Societal expectations lead to certain professions being labeled "male" or "female". Most women opt for social sciences, education, and healthcare, while men more frequently choose technical specializations like science, technology, and engineering.
  • Main Challenges: A majority of employed women do not work full-time, primarily due to childcare and household responsibilities.

LGBTQ+ Discrimination:

  • LGBTQ+ individuals in Armenia face widespread discrimination and social stigma.
  • Despite homosexuality being legal, there are no laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in employment, housing, or public services.
  • Hate speech and violence against LGBTQ+ people are common, with law enforcement often failing to act or protect victims.
  • Many LGBTQ+ Armenians conceal their identity or emigrate for safety.
  • Activism exists but operates under significant threats and pressure.
  • Pink, an LGBTQ+ support NGO, reported 365 support requests in 2024, including 65 cases of human rights violations, predominantly domestic violence (38 cases involving physical, psychological, sexual abuse, and extortion).
  • There is declining trust in law enforcement, with only 10 out of 65 victims reporting violations to the police, and only three cases under investigation. Reasons for victim silence include ineffective investigations, degrading treatment, and poor data protection.
  • Homophobia is normalized in Armenia, with most citizens resisting change, and those who challenge it often face harsh discrimination and isolation.

Ethnic and Racial Discrimination/Xenophobia:

  • Racism and xenophobia are persistent issues, even in Yerevan, the capital.
  • Individuals of African or South Asian descent, especially students and migrant workers, commonly experience discriminatory behavior, including verbal harassment, suspicious stares, and hostile treatment in public spaces.
  • Ethnic Armenians constitute over 98% of the population, leading to the marginalization of those who do not fit the norm.
  • Minority groups like Yazidis, Kurds, Russians, and Assyrians face underrepresentation and neglect, with limited access to political and educational opportunities. Their cultural contributions are rarely highlighted, reinforcing their peripheral status.
  • Nationalist sentiment, fueled by historical conflicts, can lead to exclusionary attitudes towards minorities and foreigners.

How Art and Youth Initiatives Address These Issues Locally

Art for Inclusivity:

  • The movie "Mel" (2022): This Armenian-Dutch documentary profiles Mel Daluzyan, a transgender weightlifter and European champion. The film depicts Mel's journey from national icon to social pariah, her loss of family and homeland, and her transition in the Netherlands. It was partially funded by the Armenian Ministry of Culture, making it the first queer film to receive state support in Armenia. Despite this, it faced public criticism for promoting "non-traditional Armenian values" and prioritizing LGBTQ+ themes over economic issues.
  • Contemporary Dance Theatre "Mihr": As part of the "Women Human Rights Defenders Stepping up Against Gender-Based Violence in Armenia" program, the Mihr Contemporary Dance Theater uses art to raise awareness and combat gender-based violence. Artistic director Shoghakat Mike-Galstyan and her team created dances representing psychological violence (using white fabric in a forest setting) and physical violence (depicted with sticky tape in an urban underpass). These performances aim to empower women and engage the community through artistic expression.

Good Practices or Local Heroes Fighting Against Discrimination

Several local organizations are actively working to combat discrimination in Armenia:

  • Helsinki Association for Human Rights (NGO): This organization protects human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, religion, and peaceful assembly. They monitor Armenia's adherence to international human rights treaties and provide advocacy and free legal advice to the public.
  • PINK Armenia: (Previously mentioned) This prominent LGBTQ+ support NGO works to highlight and address issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, providing support and advocating for a more just and inclusive society.
  • Women's Resource Center: This organization provides a helpline for victims of domestic violence, offers legal support for women facing discrimination, debunks social stereotypes, spreads awareness about domestic violence, and organizes female empowerment camps and feminist movie screenings.
  • FemInno: This is the largest female innovation conference in the region. It aims to raise awareness about female talents in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) from Armenia and globally, empower girls to pursue STEM careers, and provides scholarships for Armenian girls in STEM.

Posters from Armenian Team