The UN Working Group on discrimination against women and girls on Wednesday called on Armenia to use political momentum from recent policy and legislative reforms to advance from formal gender equality measures to substantive gender equality in the country.

Following a 10-day trip to Armenia, the Working Group released a statement commending the government for the visible progress in gender equality the country has in made in recent years. The nation has improved its gender inequality index, moving from 0.35 in 2010 to 0.22 in 2021, and its rank in global gender gap index, moving from 102 to 59 between 2016 and 2025.

Improved conditions for women are largely tied to recent legal reforms that address gender-based violence, establish gender-responsive public policies, and welcome women-led grassroots initiatives. Additionally, Armenia has demonstrated an adherence to international standards and an interest in discussions surrounding gender-equality development. The nation has regularly participated in international events and has signaled commitment to treaties and conventions.

In light of notable advancements, experts encouraged Armenian leaders to transform formal equality measures to substantive equality, demonstrating gender equality not only legally, but functionally. The Working Group provided a framework for enforcement and implementation of progressive legal measures, known as CREATE, which aims to address persistent structural barriers, including “entrenched patriarchal stereotypes.” Among suggested next steps includes the formation of a national institution for the protection and promotion of women’s rights, whose mandate would align with international standards.

Further, the Working Group explicitly called for the adoption of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law. While the government reportedly has an evolving draft law from June 2025, the report called for the explicit prohibition on specific forms of gender-based discrimination and enumeration of a broad range of protected categories.

The Working Group is scheduled to present its full comprehensive report on its Armenia visit to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2027.

UN Experts Urge Armenia to Deliver Concrete Gender Equality

After a ten-day visit, the UN Working Group on discrimination against women and girls called on Armenia to move beyond legal commitments and enact structural reforms so women and girls can fully exercise their rights.

Visible Progress in Gender Equality

 Armenia has made significant improvements, reducing its gender inequality index from 0.35 in 2010 to 0.22 in 2021. Additionally, the country improved its global gender gap ranking from 102 to 59 between 2016 and 2025.

Legal Reforms and International Engagement

The improved conditions for women in Armenia are linked to recent legal reforms addressing gender-based violence, the establishment of gender-responsive public policies, and support for women-led grassroots initiatives. Furthermore, Armenia has demonstrated adherence to international standards and shown active participation in discussions about gender-equality development. The nation regularly attends international events and has indicated its commitment to relevant treaties and conventions.

Recommendations for Substantive Equality

Given these advancements, experts encouraged Armenian leaders to move from formal equality measures to substantive equality, ensuring gender equality is reflected not just in law but also in practice. The Working Group introduced a framework for enforcing and implementing progressive legal measures, known as CREATE. This framework aims to tackle persistent structural challenges, including entrenched patriarchal stereotypes. Among the recommended next steps is the creation of a national institution dedicated to protecting and promoting women's rights, in alignment with international standards .

Call for Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Legislation

The Working Group also explicitly called for the adoption of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law. Although the government has an evolving draft law as of June 2025, the report urges the explicit prohibition of specific forms of gender-based discrimination and the inclusion of a broad range of protected categories.

Upcoming Report Submission

The Working Group is scheduled to present its full comprehensive report on its visit to Armenia to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2027.