Armenia moves to strengthen military with voluntary female conscription

The Armenian government is taking steps to promote women’s participation in the Armed Forces, calling it a strategic necessity, according to Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan.

“Studies conducted in various countries show that proportional participation of men and women in the armed forces makes these structures more effective, enabling them to successfully solve complex problems,” Grigoryan said, as per Armenian press, cited by Caliber.Az.

He added that the government is implementing consistent measures to encourage women’s involvement and create favourable conditions. “An important example is the voluntary six-month service program for women, which allows women aged 18 to 27 to undergo military training and, upon successful completion, receive approximately $2,500,” Grigoryan said.

Armenia has a system of mandatory military service for female citizens on a voluntary basis. Women may choose to opt out before conscription, but once called, the six-month service becomes compulsory.

Upon completion of the full six-month service, women receive 1 million Armenian drams (around $2,500).

"In cases of early discharge for health reasons, the total amount is divided by six and multiplied by the number of months actually served,” Grigoryan explained.

By Tamilla Hasanova