The RA NA delegation, led by the Head of the NA Delegation to PACE, the Vice President of the Parliament Ruben Rubinyan, is participating in the third part of the annual session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg.
The member of the RA NA delegation Hripsime Grigoryan delivered a speech during the session.
“Thank you, Madam President,
I would like to thank our rapporteur, Ms Yevheniia Kravchuk, for this excellent report.
And I cannot help but note that the remarks we heard a few minutes ago suggesting that the media merely reflects that existing great reality of predefined roles for men and women – make this report even more valuable and timely.
As parliamentarians, we often focus on laws and institutions. But stereotypes are shaped long before laws can correct them. They are shaped by what people see, hear and consume every day.
In recent years the social media has amplified harmful stereotypes and made hate speech more visible and more aggressive. Women in politics, journalism and public life often face attacks that have little to do with their ideas and much to do with their gender.
In Armenia, we also fight this phenomenon. Women active in public life are disproportionately targeted online, and gender-based insults are often normalized. At the same time, I have seen encouraging initiatives by journalists, civil society organizations and media projects that highlight women as leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists and decision-makers rather than confining them to traditional roles.
Because stereotypes affect not only women. They affect men and boys as well. They create expectations that everyone must conform to predefined roles and leave little room for individuality and human potential.
That is why I particularly welcome the report's emphasis on media literacy and education. Regulation alone cannot solve this issue. We need critical thinking. We need responsible media.
And we need positive role models for younger generations.
Freedom of expression should never be used as an excuse for sexism or dehumanization.
A democratic society is one where diversity of voices is protected and where everyone can participate in public life with dignity and respect.
Thank you”, the MP said.
