International Men’s Day in Ashtarak

Every year in more than 80 countries of the world November 19 is celebrated as International Men’s Day. It was first officially celebrated in 1999 in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to support the creation of a positive image of men as individuals, husbands, and fathers and advocate the equal involvement of men in the family.

This year, the WCC Armenia Round Table Foundation, in cooperation with “Zangakatun” NGO, organized a public event on November 22 within the framework of the program “EU for the equality of women and men, together against gender stereotypes and violence” implemented by the UN Population Fund. The purpose of the event was to celebrate International Men’s Day in the Ashtarak community, involving the families of the community.

The event took place in a vibrant, playful atmosphere. Under the leadership of Center Director Karine Grigoryan, a composition contest titled “The Role of Men in Our Lives” was concluded, with awards presented. The writing theme was offered to community youth aged 13-17, who could submit various prose works, including stories, fairy tales, or narratives. The protagonists were required to be men-fathers, brothers, friends, acquaintances, or even notable public figures.

Excerpts from the prose works were read aloud, followed by a dynamic game segment involving present parents and children. The organized sport and intellectual games primarily aimed to enhance cooperation, mutual understanding, and strengthen family bonds by encouraging members to overcome challenges through collective effort.

The day concluded in a warm atmosphere, with gift distribution and hospitality.
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The event has been initiated within the framework of the “EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence” programme (phase 2), funded by the European Union, implemented jointly by UN Women and UNFPA in cooperation with the WCC Armenia Round Table Foundation. Its content is the sole responsibility of the WCC Armenia Round Table Foundation and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, UN Women and UNFPA.