A discussion hosted by the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) on March 15 will examine the often-overlooked difficulties faced by disabled Armenian women.

Disabled Armenians often lack the access to education, employment and marriage that other members of society have, while also struggling to use the country’s healthcare system.

The event follows two months of intensive IWPR reporting on the problems faced by disabled people. Disabled rights activists have told IWPR the government needs to address their problems, while local officials accuse the central authorities of not giving them the money they need to fix things.

Christine Aghanyan, a psychologist from the Agat centre, a charity for disabled women in Gyumri, will speak about issues around sexuality and reproductive health for young women with disabilities, as well as about violence committed against disabled women.

Zaruhi Batoyan from the Bridge of Hope charity will discuss inclusivity and women with disabilities.

Anna Hakobyan, the senior specialist on this issue at the Labor and Social Affairs Ministry, will also present a report on the situation.

This round-table discussion is part of IWPR’s Building Bridges/Building Capacity project, supported by the Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway.