Armenia

Crosscutting Gender Issues63. Women’s chances of being elected are affected by the infrequency, or sometimesthe complete absence, of the rotation of local authorities. Incumbents very often winelections, and thus mayors may hold their posts for up to five terms. 61 Lack of supportwithin political parties also means that women are not put forward as candidates whenopportunities arise. As was seen in the 2012 parliamentary elections, some women whowere elected later resigned, and their seats were filled by male party members. 6264. In poorer communities, where human resources are limited, strict adherence totraditional gender roles cannot be afforded. If the local administration has few resources,this is a disincentive for men taking local office; conversely, when there are considerableresources at stake, men may actively try to hold political positions for their own gain. Asone study noted, “poor highland borderland villages form the majority of women-ledcommunities.” 63 The fact that the goal of the electoral quota was circumvented in the 2012elections was partially explained by the view that a “political position serves as support forone’s business interests, and men are not yet prepared to surrender their posts.” 6465. Poor communities in Armenia also face a regular out-migration of men wholeave to work elsewhere, and thus women are often required to take on “male jobs.” 65Focus group discussions for this assessment about women’s increased participation onthe avaganikhorhurdner raised a number of sometimes conflicting views. All agreed thatin some communities, especially rural villages, there are simply too few men to serve oncouncils, and women are therefore “pushed into” this role. At the same time, some expertsnoted that women themselves have become less passive about politics. Whereas theyonce may have seen a role for themselves in the municipality doing only administrativework, they are now interested in engaging in politics. This attitude may be very dependenton the community, however.66. Respondents to this assessment, as well as independent research, suggest thatsocioeconomic factors that are specific to women limit their participation in government.For instance, women lack the resources and opportunities to develop their political skills. 66In addition, women’s traditional duties of caring for the household and family are oftenincompatible with civic or political involvement.67. Many women also view politics as an ineffective means to bring about change, orthey feel that even if they were to participate in political processes, men would ultimatelybe the decisionmakers. 67 In consultations for this assessment, women stated that politicsis a man’s domain and that they had no interest in a political role, although they alsoexpressed clear opinions about solutions to local issues. Other focus group participantsstated that women generally view local councils as corrupt, a means to advance personalinterests, and not oriented toward results. Respondents to a public opinion poll rankedthe following factors as contributing to women’s passivity in undertaking a political career:women’s primary focus is on family (45%); women’s lack of self-confidence (35%); lack of61 Ibid., p. 24.62 Women Fail to Gain Ground in Armenian Election.63 Women in Local Administration in Armenia, p. 34.64 Women Fail to Gain Ground in Armenian Election.65 Women in Local Administration in Armenia, p. 34.66 National Democratic Institute and Caucasus Research Resource Centers–Armenia. 2010. Results of NDI Focus Groups on PoliticalBarriers and Opportunities. Washington, DC: USAID.67 Ibid.19