“Old” and “Soviet style” approaches of teaching gender studies dominate high school level classrooms in Armenia, according to Anna Nikoghosyan, the program manager for Society Without Violence (SWV), a non-profit organization. The subject is haphazardly taught by social studies and literature teachers, and sometimes even gym instructors. SWV hopes to change that. The organization has plans to conduct extensive research and surveys over the next two years, and then provide Armenia’s Ministry of Education with a list of recommendations to better equip teachers and schools with the resources and training needed to promote gender studies in the classroom.
“Students’ awareness on gender issues is still at the lowest level. They do not receive any information on women’s rights and gender equality. Young girls remain in a passive role, deprived of reliable sources of information on their rights. And this lack of awareness leads to insecurity, discrimination, unhealthy relationships, and future violence,” Nikoghosyan told the Armenian Weekly.
Currently, 9th graders are briefly taught about the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Nikoghosyan said. “There is no word about gender or gender equality. The term ‘gender’ is not even mentioned. There is a part [of the curriculum] dedicated to CEDAW, but pupils should understand why this convention has been ratified, and why the implementation of this convention is so important,” she added.
SWV’s project on the “Promotion of Gender Studies Integration into the Curriculum of High School Programs in Armenia”—financially supported by the Swedish Kvinna till Kvinna organization—will entail an assessment of the current state of gender studies in high schools, and the development of “innovative approaches” to teaching gender studies.
Presently, SWV is examining textbooks. And so far, their research suggests that the books are woefully outdated. Nikoghosyan finds social studies to be one of the more important subjects in schools, saying it enforces values in students. However, the current material and teaching methods urgently need to be updated to include gender perspectives, as well as segments on gender equality and women’s rights. “’Read the text and ask your questions!’ Do you think that’s a good [teaching] method? I don’t think so!” she said. Teaching gender equality through various exercises and games will have the most impact on students, she added.
In an effort to foster discussion on the matter, SWV will also host a series of roundtable discussions with officials from the Ministry of Education, and principals and teachers from various high schools. “These round tables will provide a space where officials and representatives of schools and the teaching staff can share their visions, experiences, and attitudes towards the integration of gender studies,” said Nikoghosyan.
Analysis will partly rely on questionnaires that will be distributed to students, teachers, school administrators, and state officials during the roundtable discussions. The survey, they hope, will allow them to better understand the needs of the students on the one hand, and the readiness and level of preparation of social studies teachers—and even state and educational department officials and representatives—on the other.
By the end of 2013, SWV intends to publicize and present a package of recommendations to the Ministry of Education. Nikoghosyan says the organization will not shy away from waging a “professional lobbying” campaign to convince the ministry of the need to adopt a proactive policy on incorporating gender studies into high school curricula.
“The knowledge and information transmitted to us in high school is the basis of our education. It shapes our personality, way of thinking, and attitude towards others. Unfortunately today, mostly intolerant, gender-based stereotypes and principles are taught at school. We have observed it many times during our regional visits to schools. The old and authoritarian style of teaching does not allow students to learn about rights, and to receive equal information. And this leads to domestic violence and, often, the violation of women’s rights,” she said.
Founded in 2001, SWV also trains young women and girls on gender equality and women’s leadership. It has defined its vision as one day creating a “civil society without violence…governed by people who adhere to true democratic values, people who respect and promote gender equality; [a] society where there will be no space for violence against women.”
The organization has been active in Yerevan, Shirak, Lori, and Gegharkunik, and has over 100 members and some 3 dozen volunteers. Recently SWV extended its activities to Tavush. One of its first activities there will be a two-day training seminar for 100-125 women from local universities, and will focus on domestic violence, gender equality, and women’s leadership.
Nikoghosyan believes that teaching gender studies to students will lead to the emergence of a new generation of self-confident, powerful, strong, and successful women. “[They] will be represented in all aspects of life, as women in politics; women human rights defenders; businesswomen; and women peace builders,” she said.
“Students will finally understand that gender equality is not a bad thing coming from Western countries to destroy Armenian healthy families. They will realize that equality is indispensable for having a true democracy and a society where there will be no more violence against women.”
Nanore Barsoumian
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By the time a student has reached high school age they’ve already formulated their opinions about gender equality and roles. They can indeed change but it is very difficult to counter what you’ve grown up with for 17 or 18 years, not to mention the lessons learned by your primary role models at home — your parents. Certainly students studying in western countries come back with new perspectives but the numbers are too small to make that much of a difference. This matter has to be approached much earlier, in the primary grades and reinforced by the social and community organizations. Don’t discount the effect of international TV and the internet. It is a very powerful tool for opening up young inquisitive minds. Why do you think many of the Islamic countries censor TV, internet and media so much?
As someone surrounded by strong women throughout his life, I applaud Dr. Nikoghosyan’s practical and emotional help for young women to develop as equals committed to generosity, individuality and the fullness of life.
But the question begs to be asked, why was motherhood left off the list of acceptable careers for women?
Motherhood and having a family have been demonized by the feminists. It is now “bad” to raise children. It is now “bad” to have a family. You can thank the Zionist Betty Friedan for that. She’s the one who said that the family is a “comfortable concentration camp” in her book “The Feminine Mystique”. The feminist movement started with her. It was and is funded by Goldman-Sachs, the Rockefellers, and other globalist entities. The CIA was even involved in spreading the propaganda and organizing meetings and demonstrations. Gloria Steinem was bragging about it. By the way, the NGOs in Armenia are being funded by these globalist entities.
Here’s an amazing article written by an Armenian woman:
http://www.ayfyouthcorps.org/1268/the-modest-approach-traditional-feminity-in-armenia
Oh Greg,
I think you’d be a much better mother than any of these women. Why don’t YOU consider it as a career/life option? Aman-
Christopher
I know this is a bit late, but I had to make a comment – I’m so glad and proud that we have non-profit organizations that are working towards creating change in our country and in our culture; and Gregg and Tro – it is because of people like you that we need to work toward CHANGE!
Taline, it seems to me that you (along with all the other zombies) have jumped on the ideological bandwagon without even questioning it or doing your own research. You think that feminism is good simply because that’s what the Western countries follow. You are asking for “CHANGE” without even knowing the possible consequences and I’m willing to bet that you don’t even know who orchestrated the feminist movement and for what purpose. Asking for change for the sake of change is foolish and right now, the West is in decline, so it’s not a good idea to copy what the West does.
Feminism is one of many examples of social engineering done by the people in power. The purpose of feminism is to destroy the family structure and to tax ALL women, as opposed to some (women were able to work before feminism, but motherhood was prioritized more). They have succeeded in doing both by tricking the sheeple that it’s about “women’s rights”. Aaron Russo certainly knew what it was all about.
Now, literally half of all marriages are ending in divorce (and the rate continues to rise), the birth rate has fallen below replacement level, the youth is more corrupt than ever, more and more boys are underachieving in education, higher crime rate, lots of false rape allegations, rise of promiscuity, general animosity between the sexes, children being raised by the state instead of their families, etc, etc, etc…
Also, despite what they think, feminists do NOT speak for all women. There are a lot of women who HATE feminists, which is not a surprise considering that the latest research shows that women are LESS happy now than before. The people who are the most passionately anti-feminist tend to be women. They even have websites. Some of them are authors and the feminists viciously attack them for their views.
Taline thanks for pointing out Tro’s link, a wonderful story of how yet again the Armenian spirit uniquely brings blessings to all of us to live life more fully.
Christopher, you make a great suggestion. In fact I’m blessed with seven children and a pediatrician wife and had the chance to be at home for many years with them.
I’m inspired every day by Armenian young couples that are resisting current trends and choosing give and live abundantly.