2014

Gender and Security Sector Reform is an emerging subfield of Security Sector Reform (SSR) that encapsulates practical and conceptual dimensions. SSR programs in Armenia consider improving service delivery, enhancing local ownership and ensuring the sustainability of security sector institutions including institutions in Defense Sector. However, the gender dimension is not yet adequately integrated in the reform process in Defense Sector. There is a critical lack of proper evidence based for policy analysis, policy formulation and policy advocacy in the country. The project “Supporting Integration of Gender in Defense Sector Reforms in Armenia” (SIGRDRÍFA) addresses this need by developing policy options and engaging all key actors in a multi-stakeholder dialogue and providing policy advice.

 SIGRDRÍFA goal project is to strengthen evidence-based and gender-sensitive security sector reforms in Armenia through policy research and dialogue. It attempts to assess perceptions and experiences of the target population groups related to the gender roles and service of women in the Defense Sector; and to facilitate a multi-stakeholder policy dialogue on mainstreaming gender and promoting gender equality in Defense Sector Reform process. It targets female and male personnel at various levels and structures in the Defense Sector, as well as institutions in this sector. It specifically will benefit young women and men and their parents. The major public and non-public agencies engaged in Security Sector Reforms and Gender and Development include the Administration of the President of RA, Ministry of Defense of RA, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MLSA), the National Assembly of RA, as well as academia, and CSOs.

The SIGRDRÍFA project consists of two components: “Assessment of Perceptions and Experiences of the Target Population related to the Gender Roles and Service of Women in the Defense Sector” and “Facilitating a Multi-Stakeholder Policy Dialogue on Mainstreaming Gender and Promoting Gender Equality in Defense Sector Reforms”. The Components are implemented by ICHD in cooperation with ADF.

The expected outcomes of the SIGRDRÍFA include: (i) adequate evidence base for policy dialogue on mainstreaming gender and promoting gender equality in Defense Sector Reform process; (ii) policy makers, CSOs, academia and international development partners equipped with credible and comprehensive data and analysis related to perceptions and experiences of the target groups related to the gender roles and service of women in the Defense Sector; and, (iii) policy alternatives and recommendations for action on mainstreaming gender and promoting gender equality in Defense Sector Reform process are available to all key stakeholders.