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Family-Friendly Workplace: Summary of Project Results and Research Findings

“A family-friendly workplace allows employees to be close to and care for a family member in need while continuing to work and earn an income,” said Astghik Karapetyan, president of the “Point 33” Informative, Advocacy NGO and manager of the “Making Family-Friendly Workplaces Workable” project, during the program’s closing event.

The “Making Family-Friendly Workplaces Workable” project was funded by the European Union. As part of the project, the “Big Thing” podcast was launched, featuring episodes on topics such as work-family balance, promoting breastfeeding in the workplace, parental labor rights, and other related issues.

As part of the project, visits were made to the Czech Republic and Hungary, where several commercial and non-profit organizations were visited to study their practices in creating family-friendly workplaces.

During the event, the research titled “Family-Friendly Workplace: Armenian Opportunities,” conducted within the framework of the project, was presented. It included recommendations for both legislative and practical reforms.

The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Armenia, Petr Pirunčík, expressed his gratitude for the work accomplished, as well as for the visits to the Czech Republic and Hungary and the study of their experiences.

“Many issues can be resolved through legislative changes, but often the solution depends on the goodwill of the employer. It is difficult when people believe that having a child means you shouldn’t return to work. The hardest part is addressing societal mindsets and customs,” said Ambassador Petr Pirunčík.

The Chairman of the Standing Committee on Labor and Social Affairs of the National Assembly, MP Heriknaz Tigranyan, referring to the proposals for reforms, noted that any good idea, if it is to receive a legislative solution, will be sent to the legislative body. “This research is ready material for legislative changes.”

The Chair of the Standing Committee on Labor and Social Affairs of the National Assembly, MP Heriknaz Tigranyan, referred to the reform proposals, stating that any good idea requiring legislative action will be submitted to the legislative body. “This research provides ready material for legislative changes,” she noted.

Representatives from international, state, and non-governmental organizations attended the event and shared their observations and opinions based on the discussion.

The research and recommendations for addressing the identified issues will be submitted to the Government and the National Assembly of Armenia.

Meetings in the European Parliament

Astghik Karapetyan, the president of the Point 33 informative advocacy NGO, participated in various meetings and discussions with high-ranking EU officials in the European Parliament (Brussels, Belgium) from March 3 to 8 as a European Parliament Sakharov fellow.

There were roundtable discussions with the vice-presidents of the European Parliament, Heidi Hautala and Martin Hojsik. Issues related to human rights and human rights defenders’ problems in different countries were discussed.

There were meetings with the representatives of the European Parliament President’s cabinet, the European External Action Service, the European Commission, EU Member States diplomats and other officials.

 

Copyright of photos: © European Union 2024 – Source: EP

Astghik Karapetyan met with MEP Marina Kaljurand

Astghik Karapetyan, president of the Point 33 informative advocacy NGO, met with Marina Kaljurand, an Estonian member of the European Parliament, during her visit to Brussels on March 7.

During the private meeting, there was a discussion about protecting women’s and children’s rights in Armenia, women’s political representation, and family-friendly policies.

There was a reference to the problems of the Armenians who were forcibly displaced from Artsakh and moved to the Republic of Armenia in September of the previous year, particularly the problems of women and children and the issues of the protection of their rights.

They discussed questions regarding the relations between the EU and Armenia and EU instruments aimed at protecting human rights.

During the visit, Astghik Karapetyan also met with other high-ranking EU officials.

President of Point 33 met with MEP Marketa Gregorova

Astghik Karapetyan, president of the Point 33 informative advocacy NGO, met with Marketa Gregorova, a Czech member of the European Parliament, during her visit to Brussels on March 6.

During the private meeting, there was a discussion about protecting women’s and children’s rights in Armenia, women’s political representation, and family-friendly policies. There was a reference to the problems of the Armenian women and children who were forcibly displaced from Artsakh and moved to the Republic of Armenia in September of the previous year.

They discussed questions regarding the relations between the EU and Armenia and EU instruments aimed at protecting human rights.

During the visit, Astghik Karapetyan also met with other high-ranking EU officials.