Armenia president’s administration, ministries respond to LGBT rights letter

While replies from both president’s administration and ministries are vague and do not suggest any commitment by the authorities for tackling discrimination based no sexual orientation and gender identity, what is more important here is that PINK Armenia defied status quo and challenged relevant state bodies re their commitment for LGBT rights and against discrimination. It is the first time I could recall that Armenia president’s administration replies to LGBT rights related formal query.
***
Via PINK Armenia: “Necessary prerequisites exist in RA legislation to exclude any act of discrimination” - reads a formal reply from the administration of Armenia president in response to letter by PINK Armenia calling Armenian authorities to the call of PINK Armenia to protect LGBT rights.

To mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, PINK Armenia addressed a letter to the Armenia president Serj Sargsyan, several ministries and MPs, with a call to provide in the Republic of Armenia legal provisions for combating discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and to monitor cases of discrimination against LGBT people. The administration of the president noted further that “if there is a need for further legislative regulations, it should be noted that the president of the Republic of Armenia has no right to initiate legislation”.

PINK Armenia also urged president Serj Sargsyan not to award national prizes to individuals and organisations who spread blatant hate speech against LGBT citizens of Armenia and the persons involved in the protection of their rights, to which head of legal department of the president’s staff Grigor Muradyan clarified in the response letter that the person’s worldview is not considered when awarding prizes “if that person does not display any illegal behavior which is to become a subject of assessment of authorities in each specific case”. This part is particularly vague and

Replies were received from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Justice too.

The Ministry of Justice noted that they have conducted a legal study on relevance of having a separate piece of legislation to combat discrimination, where the matters regarding discrimination have been analysed. [Unzipped: Gay Armenia - I wonder what did they conclude?!…]

The Ministry also reminded that in 2010 the Gender Policy Concept Paper was approved and Republic of Armenia Gender Policy Strategic Program for 2011-2015 was confirmed. [Unzipped: Gay Armenia - Unfortunately, these positive gender related initiatives are effectively stopped now, following Russia inspired hysteric anti-EU outburst]

The letter from the Ministry of Health stated that the issue is outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health. However, the Ministry of Health is willing to provide assistance if recommendations from relevant bodies are made.

Intro: Armenian Feminist blog

Armenian Feminist blog was created by a group of feminists to raise awareness about women’s rights, gender equality and gender identity.

Its main aim is to reach out to the general public in Armenia, including the most remote areas, by making available important feminist texts in Armenian language.

Even with the vast information flow of the 21st century, there are still certain groups in Armenian society, which remain on the margins. Most often these are women who are cut off from the media and alternative modes of obtaining information about their rights, opportunities, etc.

Of course, it will be the most difficult to reach out to such groups, since if they are cut off from the alternative modes of obtaining information, then they would hardly read blogs.

The good news is that the authors of this blog started getting feedback and contributors from women in Armenian villages too. There is hope, afterwards. And this is a very encouraging sign, indeed.

This situation makes women more vulnerable to sustaining abusive relationships, dysfunctional family relations, abuse of their economic and political rights, etc. Even if these women have access to the media, the lack of coverage on topics that are considered taboo or irrelevant make these women subject to isolation, frustration, lack of acknowledgement. The general attitude of keeping quiet about taboo topics, which make people feel uncomfortable  contributes to the general attitude that there are no problems in society at all.

Along with translations, they make original postings and interviews too.

And the subjects of their posts are quite diverse: from Fem manifesto to domestic violence to problems facing by people with disabilities to the ways of dealing with menstruation among some transgender men.

I personally know the main creators behind this blog. Great bunch of people.

And if you wish to support their efforts, you may donate here.

Educational short film on need for comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation in Armenia

This great educational short film (in Armenian), with the use of nice graphics and pics,  illustrates various types of discrimination, so widespread in Armenia, and why it is essential to have a comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, including discrimination based on sexual orientation.


Մեկ հասարակություն ՝ մեկ իրավունք from EPF Armenia on Vimeo.

Powerful posters against sexual violence in Armenia and South Caucasus

These bold and powerful posters prepared by the Armenian group of the Young Women’s Network of the South Caucasus (see their Facebook page).

There are stereotypes and prejudices that contribute to the rooting within the society of an idea that the victim is to be blamed for sexual violence, rape or sexual harassment. Young Women’s Network of the South Caucasus aimed at exposing such common stereotypes by encouraging the public to fight against them. “There is no justification for sexual violence” - say Young Women’s Network members.

“Ապրիլ. Սեռական բռնության իրազեկման ամիս. 
Մեր իրականությունում կան կարծրատիպեր և նախապաշարմունքներ, որ նպաստում են հասարակության մեջ այն մտքի արմատավորմանը, որ սեռական բռնության զոհն է մեղավոր՝ բռնաբարության կամ սեռական բնույթի ոտնձգությունների ենթարկվելու համար: Երիտասարդ կանանց ցանցի անդամները բարձրաձայնում են Հայաստնում, Վրաստանում Աբխազիայում և Ադրբեջանում տարածված նմանատիպ կարծրատիպերի մասին՝ հորդորելու հասարակությանը պայքարել դրանց դեմ: 
Չկա արդարացում սեռական բռնության համար՝ բարձրաձայնում են Երիտասարդ կանանց ցանցի անդամները:”

Hypocrisy of Armenian TV personalities exposed: Lulu and Nazeni

It’s been 5 years already that British Council Armenia organises Na/Ne media competition on “issues relating to the gender equality in general” and how “particular publications or stories have resulted or may soon result in positive changes.” According to the British Council Armenia website, all published or broadcast materials should cover “the activities and achievements, problems and challenges of women in political, economic and social spheres. All publications should be presented from the gender equality perspective.” [emphasis mine] British Embassy in Armenia is a co-founder of Na/Ne Media Award.

February 2013. TV personality Lusine Badalyan, more known as Lulu, was a co-host of Na/Ne gender equality media awards ceremony by British Council Armenia. [Lulu worked in homophobic radio Van station, now TV host in Kentron TV station owned by oligarch MP Tsarukyan, head of Prosperous Armenia party]

August 2013. Lulu joins anti-gender equality law hysteria by a series of comments, status updates on Facebook, as well as by inviting and agreeing with homophobic individuals, conspiracy theory fans, who are among those who provoke anti-gender equality and homophobic hysteria on- and off-line.

In a series of TV programmes she hosts, Lulu repeatedly agrees with such people, including members of so called “Pan-Armenian parents committee”, a copycat of similar Russian structure that spreads hatred online and in Armenian media towards LGBT, as well as targets individuals and women’s rights groups for their work on gender equality.

She agrees “completely” with all the conspiracy theories that her guests introduce and claims she will not agree for her children’s teacher to be member of other than Armenian church ‘official’ religion or homosexual. Lulu also complains that “pure Armenians” are the minority in Armenia. She commits to fight against gender equality laws. [example 1; and example 2 with Armenian version of Russia’s Mizulina - there are more examples, these are for illustration purposes]

Lulu also posted a hand-written letter on her FB, as if out of compassion, of a gay person who wanted to be “cured of homosexuality”.

***
And here are more examples of hypocrisy, this time by another TV personality, Armenia TV host Nazeni Hovhannisyan, who apparently felt that she could preach morality to others.

“We should not remain SILENT. Watch this - this will only take 10 minutes of your life but perhaps then we will WIN centuries"  - This is a suggestion by Nazeni to her Faceboook followers to watch hateful, filled with conspiracy theories video about gender equality 'destroying Armenian families', full with homophobia and targeting women’s rights groups and individuals. This video was prepared by so called “Pan-Armenian parents committee”, a copycat of similar Russian groups.

A humorous posters appeared on Facebook, exposing Nazeni’s hypocrisy.

US ambassador in Armenia celebrates diversity in LGBT inclusive video blog: “Diversity is Strength”

Good to see the US ambassador Heffern stressing the importance of Diversity and devoting to the topic his latest video blog.

He speaks of importance of inclusivity and tolerance to minorities, inclusive religious, LGBT, and gender equality.

“Diversity is a source of our strength.”

“By being more inclusive and embracing differences among us, we all become more united and resilient”.

Referring to the 'American Dream', he speaks of importance of equal opportunities, regardless of race, colour, gender, religion, economic background and sexual preference.

“And tolerance of minorities, including religious and sexual minorities, is not only the right thing to do, it makes everyone stronger”.

He salutes champions of diversity in the US and pledges to continue working with Armenian partners having that same goal in mind.

“Բազմազանությունը ուժի աղբյուր է”, concludes the ambassador in Armenian.

[Video with Armenian subtitles.]
 

Former British Ambassador in Armenia Charles Lonsdale: ‘Limited progress in reporting of gay issues, still long way to go to overcome prejudices’

On his farewell blog post, former British Ambassador in Armenia Charles Lonsdale says:

“[...] There’s also been some progress on gender issues and it’s possible now to hope for some progress on the question of domestic violence in a way I didn’t think possible when I first arrived.  There’s even been some limited progress in reporting of lesbian and gay issues, though there’s still a long way to go to overcome some deep-rooted prejudices.”

More on Unzipped: British ambassador in Armenia says ‘good-bye’. “Love embassy” stays

*picture - via British Embassy Yerevan FB page

Happy bday, "As You" / "ԻՆՉՊԵՍ ԴՈՒ" e-magazine !!

Happy bday to this new bilingual (Armenian/English) e-magazine "As You" / "ԻՆՉՊԵՍ ԴՈՒ". As promised by PINK Armenia, it was launched today to break the self-imposed silence marking the Day of Silence in Armenia. I look forward to reading challenging and thought-provoking articles on As You.

***
via As You:

Welcome to the “As you” newborn e-magazine! 

We offer you some interesting articles on various themes to judge upon.The major aim of the e-magazine is to represent the changes and activities occurring in civil society, raise such social issues that are often neglected and unfortunately are not being addressed. In this e-magazine, you may find articles about sexual health, human rights and about gender issues. In “Culture” section, we will present you stories about history outside the history. And the “Traveler” section is dedicated to the histories about Armenia by people through Armenia, their impressions and adventures.The periodical includes information about activities undertaken by various NGOs and services provided by them.

***
I particularly liked the description of "Diversity" project by PINK Armenia:

"[...] Positive changes, unfortunately, do not come overnight usually; it’s rather a long way to build and to pass and the very civil society has to input efforts and attempts in its turn to make the country more prosperous.

“Public Information and Need of Knowledge” NGO launched “Diversity” project, willing to reach a high level of acceptance of diversity, mutual respect and cultural sensitivity by promoting the ideas of tolerance, respect, and understanding.

Nowadays, sadly, the rise of neo-Nazi movements and ultranationalists is registered. It’s a pity, but often activists of these movements take ultra-nationalist or neo-Nazi ideas for and represent them as nationalism, even worse – as patriotism. Gender based human rights violations, xenophobia, homophobia, neo-Nazism, ignorance and illiteracy will do nothing but flourish, if no serious actions are taken, if these issues remain unaddressed or silenced, or ignored, and the marginalized and discriminated groups will be defamed as ‘good’ as nowadays.

Addressing and fighting the issues of stereotypes, intolerance, xenophobia, homophobia, discrimination based on gender, including LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender)- related issues are highly important for this project, as well as generally are the issues of any kind of discrimination based on age, sex, gender, sexual orientation.

The activities and events organized during “Diversity” project shall lead to the promotion and to better understanding of human rights both as a theory and as a practical tool to use in daily life, realities and situations, as well as in case of abuses, abuse reporting, etc.

This project aims to bring positive changes, nurture and spread the ideas of equality, civil society, as well as to fight the negative taboos, stereotypes and to eliminate discriminative attitudes of the society."

Here is hoping...

PINK Armenia launches Diversity project

*full AM version
**full English version

Synopsis

“Public Information and Need of Knowledge” NGO (PINK Armenia) is launching this project, willing to reach a high level of acceptance of diversity, mutual respect and cultural sensitivity by promoting the ideas of tolerance, respect, and understanding. Nowadays, sadly, the rise of neo-Nazi movements and ultranationalists is registered. It’s a pity, but often activists of these movements take ultranationalist or neo-Nazi ideas for and represent them as nationalism, even worse – as patriotism. Gender based Human Rights violations, xenophobia, homophobia, neo-Nazism, ignorance and illiteracy will do nothing but flourish, if no serious actions are taken, if these issues remain unaddressed or silenced, or ignored, and the marginalized and discriminated groups will be defamed as ‘good’ as nowadays.

Addressing and fighting the issues of stereotypes, intolerance, xenophobia, homophobia, discrimination based on gender, including LGBT- related issues[1] are highly important for this project, as well as generally are the issues of any kind of discrimination based on age, sex, gender, sexual orientation. Moreover, a list of must-dos includes spread of knowledge on the issues mentioned above, inspiration, youth empowerment, preparation of human rights activists, cooperation with other NGOs, inclusion of wider public, marginalized and discriminated groups into the actions and events presented above. We especially stress the idea of youth empowerment all across the nation.

Main activities and events within the framework of this project will include – organization of seminars, round tables, flash mobs, exhibitions and other various types of cultural, social and public events, writing articles, creation of an e-magazine, building a relevant library and e-library, creation, translation and spread of various relevant materials with regard to the issues, challenges and to the scope of activities mentioned above.

Women Resource Center non-governmental organization will support us in the frame of this project.

The activities and events organized during “Diversity” project shall lead to the promotion and to better understanding of human rights both as a theory and as a practical tool to use in daily life, realities and situations, as well as in case of abuses, abuse reporting, etc."

Trainings/workshops/roundtable discussions

"There will be trainings, seminars and other types of activities organized for the active and promising youth willing to become human rights advocates, activists and peer-to-peer educators. Also, there will be supervision provided from our organization to other civil society organizations that will make steps towards organizing similar activities and events. It is through this kind of activities that there will be shaped a chosen core of active volunteers, activists, educators and peer educators especially in the regions of Armenia for whom we will organize annual trainings/workshops on the topics of human rights, tolerance, diversity and other important topics and issues."

"In the framework of this project we will implement round table discussions on matters that are relevant for marginalized and vulnerable groups in Armenia. The discussions are framed responsive to gender and LGBT issues. This kind of activities are a very good source to both gather and share proper, actual information and knowledge on problems these groups face today, also to find constructive solutions, to empower them and contribute to their consolidation."

Working with media

"Another sphere where we will extend our activities and will try to enhance cooperation is Mass Media. In Armenia, Mass Media is trying to follow the example of the state by leading its development toward the creation of a mass media system that informs and empowers all the members of the society, also enhances democratic values. Slowly, topics such are gender equality, gender based violence, LGBT issues, tolerance, human rights are being more discussed. Changes are visible. Nonetheless, there is still a lot to be done in that field either. Thus, PINK Armenia will cooperate with various types of mass media in order to promote and raise the issues of human rights, gender, LGBT, challenges that exist in those spheres, as well as means to overcome them."

Quarterly e-newsletter

"As a mean of possible cooperation with wider media, to help overcome difficulties concerning the lack of knowledge and information, we plan to create an e-newsletter with other activists and civil society representatives, which will be published once in three months. The newsletter will include articles about the projects, activities, events planned and carried by PINK Armenia and partner organizations. Also, there will be a room for recent domestic and international news concerning the topics of human rights, civil society, gender issues, LGBT community, sexual healthh, culture, etc."

Austrian ballerina of Russian-Armenian origin sacked for nude photo shoot

Photos appeared in the September issue of the Austrian men's fashion and lifestyle magazine WIENER. Reports say that Karina Sarkissova was previously warned over similar photos in Penthouse magazine.

VIENNA — The management of the Vienna State Opera and its ballet company says it has fired a ballerina for posing in the nude after she was warned not to do it again. The management of the prestigious institutions says solo dancer Karina Sarkissova was axed Aug. 23 after a series of provocative photos of her appeared in the September issue of the Austrian men's fashion and lifestyle magazine "Wiener." A statement Friday said she had already been reprimanded in May for nude shots that were taken in the opera house without permission and published in the June edition of "Penthouse."

News were reported by Tert.am, Utro.ru, Telegraph, AFP and other agencies too.

Karina Sarkissova considers this case discriminatory. WIENER magazine that published her photo shoot, posted a nude picture of Vienna ballet director Manuel Legris, that appeared on a photo book cover, and was not resulted in disciplinary actions.

You may access her website at http://sarkissova.com

I have to say, she looks stunning.

*pictures - by Moritz Schell für den WIENER / September 2010 (1, 2)
****

UPDATE 17 October 2010:

“Late last week the state opera caved in to public pressure and agreed to reinstate Sarkissova in an apparent effort to avoid further embarrassment.”

For more details (based on The Sunday Times), as well as statements by Sarkissova and opera director, see comments section below.

The Sunday Times: Karina Sarkissova said her nude modelling was inspired by photos of Manuel Legris, above.

Anti-discrimination posters in Yerevan metro

Relevant reading: British Council in Armenia launches anti-discrimination campaign

*picture - via PINK Armenia Facebook page

British Council in Armenia launches anti-discrimination campaign

A welcome initiative by the British Council in Armenia. Good to know that it's being conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Issues, and that it's inclusive of sexual orientation. As far as I understand, the work is in progress now, and hopefully we will witness these leaflets/posters in Yerevan and Armenian regions in the very near future.

I would be interested to learn of people's reaction, and would be especially interested to know what sort of educational initiatives, if any, would accompany these visual displays. Posters are important, but what we urgently need is EDUCATION.

A World without Discrimination

The British Council in Armenia in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Issues launched an awareness-raising city campaign "A world without discrimination" on 10 December, the International Human Rights day and in the framework of the one-month disability campaign announced by the Government.

The campaign features posters and flyers devoted to the British Council's main six areas of equality and diversity – Age, Gender, Disability, Religion, Race and Sexual Orientation. You can download the leaflet in English (MS Word, 2.19MB) or Armenian (MS Word, 2.01MB).

The aim of the campaign is to promote equality in these six areas through positive images of diversity and flyers containing a number of general etiquette and communication tips that will help people to avoid discriminatory language and manners in regard to the representatives of different communities to create a fair and inclusive society that values diversity and respects human rights and individual differences.

During 2010 the campaign will reach higher educational institutions, transport and other public areas in the capital and marzes of Armenia.

Caucasus: Society, sex and the dating game

I recommend reading this roundup of selected blog posts from the South Caucasus related to societal attitudes to sex, gender, sexuality...

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, hopes that new freedoms would quickly replace the old have often been dashed by the re-emergence of patriarchal, conservative and traditional practices. Largely kept suppressed by the communist system, and exaggerated by the exodus of many who might have formed the middle classes during the economic collapse of the 1990s, gender and issues of sexuality were particularly affected.

True, homosexuality has been decriminalized, although homophobia remains a significant problem, and new freedoms might have “liberated” a minority of citizens in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, but sexuality remains a contentious issue for society as a whole. [...]

Read more on Global Voices Online

Yerevan diaries: No ‘pure’ girls

When in Yerevan, I had a meeting with a group of my high school male friends whom I have not seen for ages. Not that I particularly wanted this meeting, as I always knew that there is an ocean between us in terms of our mentality and everything. But hey, for old times’ sake, I thought, well, will go for it. We talked about this and that, and then the inevitable topic of girls.

My school mates sounded genuinely upset, as if the world turned upside down for them. They said it’s now impossible to find ‘pure’ girls in Yerevan to date and marry. And no, it’s not just virginity they were referring to. The whole ‘world order’ has changed for them. They complained of not being able to find girls who would prefer sitting at home with their mother instead of working. When I asked what is wrong with women working especially as they seemed to be OK with girls getting university education (they actually preferred that! - of course, they would - it’s a matter of ‘honour’ or ‘reputation’ for them to have a university educated wife). Well, the answer was - “I can’t and do not want to change myself. I grew up following my father’s example. My mother had a university degree education, but she did not work, rather preferring to be a housewife, and I, like my father, want to be sure that whenever I turn up home, my wife is waiting for me”... and similar things.

What was a catastrophe for them (no ‘pure’ girls in Yerevan) was actually a very positive sign for me. Yes, things are changing in Yerevan, and I loved those small signs of progress.

Armenia: violence against women (posters, part 2)

For part 1 - see Unzipped

Look at these posters. Difficult, I know. Chilling, I know. ...But do not turn away. Let’s face up these real life stories of violence against women still happening in our society.

These posters will be translated into Armenian, and used throughout the country as part of the campaign by Women’s Resource Centre to stop violence against women.

On November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Women’s Resource Center in Yerevan will mobilize community members and other NGOs to protest gender violence. The events planned for November 25th will mark the beginning of 16 days of activism to end violence against women and girls, which will include an exhibition and film screening at Kino Moscow in December. This will be the fourth year that the Women’s Resource Center has joined countries around the world in organizing events on November 25th to raise awareness about the issue of gender violence.

*posters by zArt - Araz Artinian

Armenia: 16 days of activism to Stop Violence Against Women and Girls

(my posts with pictures and video from previous year events - here and here)

Host: Women's Resource Center
Start Time: Wednesday, 25 November 2009 at 11:15
End Time: Thursday, 10 December 2009 at 14:15
Location: Yerevan, Armenia

In 2006, we marched to raise awareness on the issue of violence against women and asked the foreign minister to implement the recommendations proposed in the UN security council resolution 1325.

In 2007, we marched to ask the parliament and the government to include more funding allocated in the national budget for women (resources, services and shelters) in the cities and rural areas of Armenia.

In 2008, we marched and held a silent protest on republic square to show our disappointment on how authorities, the media and other institutions are not paying enough attention to the situation of violence against women.

And this year, we are marching again on the streets of Yerevan and breaking the silence around violence against women by raising our voice and concerns on the issue. We will also hold a candle lighting ceremony in the middle of the city in memory and in support of all the women and girls violated, battered or harassed in their own homes, in our institutions or on the streets.

JOIN US!
In solidarity with our sisters, daughters and mothers, let's break the silence on violence against women and girls in Armenia and around the world!

Program : Activism to stop violence against women

November 11-14, 20-22:
3 days workshop on violence against women (open to all, places are limited, please call to register) at the Women's Resource Center, phone: 010 51 91 68

November 25, 2009:
11 am – 2 pm: Awareness groups stationed in different parts of the city talking about violence against women.
4:30 pm: March towards Aznavur square and candle lighting ceremony.

December 5-8, 2009:
Collective Art Exhibition on Violence Against Women at Kino Moscow.

December 5-6, 2009:
Film screening at Kino Moscow on Violence against Women.

*via event's Facebook page

Must see: Zara - “Karmir Khndzor” (‘Red Apple’)

I saw the preview of this clip by Zara “Karmir Khndzor” (‘Red Apple’) while in Yerevan. Now it’s released. Love it. Well done, Zara. 



And what an influence the action by Women’s Resource Centre and activists is having. Pay attention to the ending of this clip - ‘burial of Red Apple’. And now read the story of 8 March 2009 in Yerevan:  International Women’s Day in Armenia: small. It may have been small, but its impact and influence are evident. (more about this tradition and meaning of the ‘funeral’ – here)

*photos - by Onnik Krikorian / Oneworld Multimedia 2009 (+ The Caucasian Knot - Oneworld Multimedia Facebook Group)

Training on gender stereotypes at PINK Armenia (students' feedback)

Group of students of Mkhitar Sebastatsi Educational Complex (Yerevan) visited PINK Armenia and participated in a training on gender stereotypes. Their feedback - very positive. Well done, PINK, and well done, students.

ՀԱՍԱՐԱԿԱԳԵՏՆԵՐԻ ԽՈՒՄԲԸ՛ ՓԻՆԿ-ՈՒՄ 29.08.09 Օգոստոսի 28-ին մի քանի հետաքրքրասեր աշակերտներով կրթահամալիրի՝ Հասարակության հետ կապերի բաժնի պատասխանատու Նանե Բագրատունու հետ գնացինք ՓԻՆՔ տեղեկատվական կենտրոն: Այնտեղ մթնոլորտը բավականին ջերմ և մտերմիկ էր: Մեզ շատ լավ ընդունեցին, և մենք մասնակցեցինք «Գենդերային կարծրատիպեր» թեմայով դասընթացին: Միջավայրը շատ հաճելի էր, մասնակիցները՝ երիտասարդներ ու պատանիներ: Տարբեր սեռի և տարիքի ներկայացուցիչներս միմյանց հետ ծանոթանալու համար յուրաքանչյուրս նկարեցինք մեզ ու ներկայացրինք մյուսներին. հետաքրքիր ու յուրօրինակ սկիզբ էր: Հետո մեզ ցուցադրվեց մի նկար, որի մասին յուրաքանչյուրն իր կարծիքը հայտնեց, և կարծիքների միավորման արդյունքում հասկացանք նկարի իմաստն ու քննարկեցինք այն կարծրատիպերը որ մենք արտահայտել էինք: Փոքրիկ հյուրասիրությունից և մի քիչ հանգստանալուց հետո բաժանվեցինք երկու խմբի և սկսեցինք, խմբային աշխատանք։ Յուրաքանչյուր խումբ պետք է առանձին- առանձին ներկայացներ կնոջն ու տղամարդուն բնորոշ կարծրատիպեր: Դրանից հետո սկսվեց բանավեճ-քննարկում կանանց և տղամադկանց հավասարության մասին: Քննարկումից հետո մենք դիտեցինք տեսանյութ` փոքրիկ անիմացիոն ֆիլմ այն մասին, թե որքան տարբեր են կատարում նույն գորոծողությունը կանայք և տղամարդիկ: Ժամանակն անցավ աննկատ, բայց այդ կարճ ժամանակահատվածում ծանոթացանք տարբեր մարդկանց հետ, քննարկեցինք տարբեր թեմաներ և հաճելի տրամադրությամբ վերադարձանք տուն:

Մանե Գևորգյան
Արաքսյա Գևորգ
Ավագ դպրոց 
*source: Mkhitar Sebastatsi Educational Complex

KIN - International Women's Film Festival in Yerevan, Armenia (1-5 Dec 09)

I can't believe I've never heard of this festival before. And it's on the 6th year run now. (thanks to the links posted by friends on Facebook)

The organisers have to publicise it more. Programming, scope, aims... everything with this festival sounds pretty exciting and groundbreaking for the South Caucasus and the broader region. Apparently, it was the first of its kind in Caucasus when launched in 2004.

First International Film Festival "KIN" (kin means “a woman” in Armenian) was held in Yerevan on 8-12 December 2004. It was going to be the first event of the kind to be held in the Caucasus. The purpose of the festival is to address through films issues of violence, inequality, discrimination and other problems related to women’s rights and gender problems. The festival’s goal is promote women's creativity, establish a network between women filmmakers from different parts of the world and give hand to a better understanding of different cultures and each other.

International Women's Film Festival "KIN", 6-th edition, 1-5 December 2009

The 6-th International Film Festival «KIN» (kin means "a woman" in Armenian), will be held in Yerevan on 1-5 December 2009. The festival's goal is promote women's creativity, establish a network between women filmmakers from different parts of the world and give hand to a better understanding of different cultures and each other. The purpose of the festival is to address through films issues of violence, inequality, discrimination and other problems related to women's rights and gender problems.

The deadline for submissions - 1 September 2009.

Fashion (bridal) show in Chechnya