Platform#5: Accelerating Economic Opportunities for Women in Armenia

Women’s Economic Empowerment in Armenia 

In recent years, Armenia has made notable progress in women's economic participation, ranking 52nd globally in 2023, a significant improvement from 84th in 2022. However, challenges remain, as the country ranks 61st in overall gender equality. Despite representing 52.7% of the country's labor resources—the highest percentage globally—women's labor force participation lags behind men, with only 48% actively engaged compared to 70% of men. Women are underrepresented in managerial positions (29.2%) and ownership of firms (27.4% often formal registrations rather than actual ownership), and they continue to earn significantly less than men with comparable qualifications and experience. Unpaid household responsibilities further limit women's labor market participation, with 80% of non-working individuals aged 25-49 being women. 

Armenia faces persistent challenges in achieving gender equality and economic empowerment for women, particularly in rural areas. Women-headed households experience higher rates of poverty (29%) compared to men-headed households (24%), and employment opportunities for women are predominantly concentrated in three sectors: agriculture, education, and healthcare, which typically offer lower wages. Rural women, in particular, face additional barriers such as limited access to land, credit, and agricultural resources.

Women’s economic empowerment is increasingly considered to be a prerequisite for realizing gender equality, strengthening women’s agency and achieving sustainable development. Achieving gender parity in labor force participation could increase Armenia’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 4 percent to 6 percent.

What we do

The Platform#5: Accelerating Economic Opportunities for Women in Armenia project is designed to empower women across Armenia through targeted interventions in economic development and gender equality. Implemented by UNDP Armenia in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MLSA), the project focuses on strengthening agricultural value chains, creating opportunities in non-traditional sectors, and promoting leadership among mid-career professional women. It also aims to challenge societal stereotypes through innovative awareness campaigns targeting youth.

By addressing systemic barriers, the project aims to reduce gender disparities, improve livelihoods, and enhance women’s contributions to their communities and the economy.

Expected results 

• Economic Empowerment in Agriculture: Strengthen value chain processes in agriculture, benefiting 200 self-employed women in target regions, increasing their incomes by 15%.

• Reskilling and Upskilling Opportunities: Support to 1,000 long-term unemployed women with vocational and higher education to gain skills for high-paying and non-traditional jobs, empowering them to re-enter the labor market.

• Leadership Lift: Engage 100 mid-career professional women in private companies and local self-governments, providing them with leadership training and opportunities to pilot family-friendly workplace initiatives.

• Challenging Gender Stereotypes: Conduct a behaviorally informed awareness campaign, targeting 1000 high-school students to shift perceptions on traditional gender roles, with aspirations to change attitudes among 50% of participants.