Within the framework of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project a training on “Integrating Gender and Socially Sensitive Approaches in Agricultural Professions” was held on November 25 at the Ranch Training Center in Syunik region, led by Mariam Melikyan, gender equality expert at the Strategic Development Agency.
The training was attended by lecturers from MAVETA partner colleges and representatives from the private sector.
The expert presented the assessment of the current gender situation in Armenia, international experience and trends. During interactive discussions and group work, the participants addressed the key issues of gender and social integration of students studying in VET institutions, in particular, in agricultural professions.
The training also addressed the issues of social inclusion in VET institutions in Armenia, as well as in agricultural professions, during which the expert shared a number of practical tips for effective work with individuals facing social challenges.
The discussion held during the training provided an opportunity to underline the need for women’s involvement in agriculture, social inclusion, and increasing their role in public perceptions.
The MAVETA project is funded by a broad coalition of international and local organizations led by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), including the Austrian Development Agency, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Government of Armenia, the Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) NGO, Izmirlian Foundation, the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO and Vanand Agro CJSC.
The project’s implementing partners are the GIZ and HEKS/EPER with the involvement of SDA and the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (HAFL)