Young parents, Mariam and Hayk, return home from work almost simultaneously, where their two children await them. At home, Mariam helps their daughter with her homework, while Hayk takes care of their nearly two-year-old son. Depending on the daughter's assignments, the parents "switch roles"— whoever is stronger in a particular subject helps with the homework, while the other tends to the little one. Mariam and Hayk make sure everyone in their family shares the workload fairly. This approach has not only strengthened their parenting skills but has also allowed their children to receive more attention and care from both parents.

Mariam and Hayk were expecting their second child when the Family Corner resource center was opened in Ijevan as part of the "EU 4 Gender Equality: Together Against Gender Stereotypes and Gender-Based Violence" programme. The young couple was given the honor of cutting the red ribbon at the opening ceremony.

At the Family Corner, they participated in parenting courses implemented within the “EU 4 Gender Equality” programme, through the collaboration of the UNFPA Armenia and the Youth Initiative Center NGO, gaining new knowledge and skills.

"With our second baby, we were both at a more mature stage in life. That maturity, along with the skills we gained from the course, helped us manage childcare more effectively and distribute responsibilities more equally," says Mariam.

To be more involved in family life and childcare, Hayk even decided to change his occupation, as his previous position left him with little opportunity due to a high workload. After the course, this decision became even more solid and was eventually realized.

"It was important that we both played an active role in raising our children. We once again saw the immense impact of a father's involvement in a child’s life and how crucial his active participation is for the entire family. These realizations influenced Hayk’s decision," explains Mariam.

Mariam, a lawyer by profession, works as a computer operator at a school. She notes that Hayk’s support and active participation in family life made it easier for her to return to work after giving birth.

"When your spouse is willing to share family responsibilities, it becomes easier to return to work and focus on personal growth as well. I really want other women to have this opportunity, to strive for self-development, and to pursue their dreams," she says.

Mariam is convinced that the parenting courses, Papa Schools, and Papa Clubs at the Family Corners are important not only for individual families but for society as a whole.

"It is crucial for women to have opportunities beyond household duties—to be active in their communities and workplaces. For that to happen, men must also share responsibilities. Our example proves it is possible, and I would love to see more families breaking stereotypes," says Mariam Aghinyan.

Mariam, 29 and Hayk, 34, demonstrate that a family's success lies in joint efforts and mutual support.

"An equal distribution of responsibilities within the family positively impacts both women’s empowerment and family stability and well-being. This is why we have combined our efforts to strengthen families and promote men's involvement in caregiving," says Taguhi Harutyunyan, "EU 4 Gender Equality: Together Against Gender Stereotypes and Gender-Based Violence" programme coordinator at the UNFPA Armenia.

According to the baseline study on gender stereotypes conducted as part of the programme and published in 2022, women in Armenia still bear a significantly greater share of household and caregiving responsibilities than men. Only 12% of women and 19% of men reported that household duties were equally shared in their families.

"The programme is a great opportunity for education and for reshaping people's worldview, as misconceptions about role distribution and gender equality have turned into limiting beliefs and stereotypes. Young men and fathers who have benefited from the programme note that their perception of household chores and childcare has changed. This, in turn, has led to several changes in women's daily lives, giving them more opportunities to dedicate time to self-care and education," highlights Arthur Najaryan, President of the Youth Initiative Center NGO.

During the first phase of the "EU 4 Gender Equality" programme, around 560 young Armenians enhanced their knowledge of gender equality and positive parenting by participating in Papa Schools and Parenting Courses through the cooperation of YIC and UNFPA. In the second phase, Papa Schools have been transformed into Papa Clubs, with over 90 boys and men participating in sessions in Tavush, Shirak, and Lori regions.

This publication was produced within 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. Its contents are the sole responsibility of UN Women and UNFPA and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.