Deviation of sex ratio of newborns in Armenia decreased by 40%

Deviation of the ratio of newborn sexes In Armenia in 2017 in favor of boys decreased by 40% compared to the 2011 indicator. This was announced by the Executive Director of the International Center for Human Development Armen Galstyan at the opening of the conference on ““Evidence-Based Actions to Combat Gender-Biased Sex-Selection in 2015-2017”.

The conference sums up the results of the three-year grant program “Combating Gender-Based Sex Selection in Armenia” sponsored by the European Union.

According to him, studies conducted in households also showed significant changes in people's knowledge, their attitude to the problem and behavior. At the same time, changes took place in the last three years in practically unchanged socio-economic conditions, which means that the program achieved success solely by increasing the role of girls in the family and society.

“We sum up the three-year path, which is measured not by days and meters but also by lives and dignity,” Armen Galstyan said, adding that thanks to the implementation of this program there were born thousands of girls in Armenia, who might not have been born.

He recalled that according to the UN Population Fund, a few years ago, every year in Armenia 1400-2000 female babies were selectively aborted, and by 2050 this figure could have reached 80 000.

According to the head of the Center, all layers of the Armenian society were involved in the solution of the problem of gender discrimination, it was supported by the relevant state structures. An unprecedented campaign was carried out with the involvement of public organizations, the media and social networks.

“The success was reached thanks to the approach: underlining the responsibility of everyone in eliminating the discriminatory approach to girls. At the same time, we avoided looking for the guilty, avoided placing the burden of the problem on pregnant women, doctors, fathers-in-law or other actors,” he said. Also, in the process of our campaign, we managed to avoid controversial issues of artificial termination of pregnancy and passed the discussions to the level of increasing the role of girls.

According to the head of the Center, the work showed that it is possible to achieve visible social changes in the republic through joint efforts.

“We have proved that, thanks to the unification of efforts and cooperation in Armenia, any problem can be solved,” he said.

As reported earlier, the total amount of funding launched in 2015 for the program “Combating Gender-Based Sex Selection in Armenia” g sex-selective abortions in Armenia” amounted to 790,000 euros.

The program was jointly implemented by the International Center for Human Development, the Armavir Development Center, the Martuni Community Council of Women, Save the Children Nederland.

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