Through a concert and a public outreach event UNDP tried to raise awareness on gender issues in Gegharkunik region

On 7 April 2009 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Armenia, in partnership the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia, organized a concert and a public awareness campaign in the city of Sevan dedicated to gender issues in Gegharkunik region. The performance was given by the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia (NCOA) led by maestro Aram Gharabekian.

The event was organized in the scope of a UNDP project "Music and Public Outreach in the Regions: Highlighting the Needs of the Regions through a Cultural Lens." The main objective of the project is to activate cultural life in the regions and raise public awareness on the needs of communities using culture and, particularly, music as an effective communication tool.

The project has established an important partnership with "Shoghakat" TV Company, which will produce documentary films highlighting the most pertinent needs in each region. UNDP, together with its partners, will officially launch these films after the completion of concerts.

Mr. Dirk Boberg, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, addressing the audience in Sevan, said, "UNDP and other UN agencies in Armenia have been implementing several initiatives in the country on empowering women and combating gender based violence. Moreover, UNDP has supported the Government of Armenia in drafting the law on Gender Equality and the national concept paper on gender policy."

The government has joined the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and recognized promotion of gender equality as a priority in its programme for 2008-2112.

The concert in Sevan was the fifth in the series. The last two concerts and public outreach events are scheduled to be held in Gyumri and Dilijan cities of Shirak and Tavush regions addressing human rights, tolerance and environmental issues respectively.