I and Many Women Are Ready to Take Up Arms to Defend Our Homeland and Children: Anna Hakobyan in Artsakh

The wife of the Prime Minister of Armenia, Anna Hakobyan, who is also the chairman of the boards of the "My Step" and "City of Smile" charitable foundations, met with active women in public, political, and cultural life in Artsakh on May 22 in Stepanakert, accompanied by the wife of the President of Artsakh, Kristine Harutyunyan.

During the meeting, Anna Hakobyan presented the developments and future programs of the "Women for Peace" campaign. In her speech, the Prime Minister’s wife noted that the goal of the "Women for Peace" initiative is to unite all women to demand that primarily male political decision-makers resolve existing conflicts peacefully between countries. She stated, "As women, mothers, and sisters, we have every right to demand our husbands to spare our sons, brothers, and husbands' lives and to shift the arms race from the battlefield to the arena of thoughts and intellect. Nothing is impossible; all it takes is the political will to abandon wars and resolve all conflicts through negotiations. The negotiation table is no less a battleground; moreover, everyone can be a winner there, unlike in war, where countless lives are lost. In negotiations, everyone can carry away their victory."

Anna Hakobyan emphasized that many interpret the campaign as a manifestation of weakness, which is a misconception. "I am confident and assured that in the event of a military aggression against Artsakh, it is not only our army but the entire public that will stand in defense, whether military or civilian, male or female. Like me, I am sure many women are ready to take up arms to defend their homeland and children. But not for the sake of war, but to prove that peace has no alternative. In this context, I believe we will dedicate a very important part of our time to the 'Women for Peace' campaign, and as evidence of the above words, we also plan to undergo military training courses. We, as women and mothers, must spare no effort to bring lasting peace to our countries and the region. This is what the 'Women for Peace' campaign is dedicated to," said Anna Hakobyan, adding that the more women join this peace initiative, the stronger it will become.

"This campaign knows no ethnicity, religion, or skin color; anyone can join this call for peace. We believe that all the weapons of the world are powerless before the universal love of motherhood," concluded Anna Hakobyan.

During the meeting, active women in Artsakh expressed their support for the initiative and readiness to assist. Armine Harutyunyan, a representative of the Armenian Relief Society, highly appreciated the initiative, emphasizing that especially women living in Artsakh know very well the price of peace. "We have all experienced costly losses. We feel that pain deeply and know very well what peace means." Susanna Hayrapetyan added that the Prime Minister's wife's initiative is welcome in Artsakh, and women from Artsakh are ready to be helpful.

The meeting also included the presentation of the "Women for Peace" website. The site presents the activities, values, and goals of the campaign. On the website's "I Support" section, both individuals and organizations can register and become supporters of the campaign.