30-05-2022
APR Group has published the findings of its research "The Impact of COVID-19 on Women’s Employment in Armenia."
The study was conducted with the support of the Solidarity Center and examined how the pandemic affected women’s employment, working conditions, income, and labour rights protection.
The research also identifies structural vulnerabilities in the Armenian labour market that became more visible during the pandemic.
The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative surveys, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and secondary data analysis. Participants represented a broad range of sectors, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, services, and other areas of employment across Armenia.
The findings demonstrate that the COVID-19 pandemic was not only a public health emergency but also a significant labour market shock that disproportionately affected women and intensified existing inequalities.
The study found that:
- women in formal employment were considerably better protected during the crisis;
- women engaged in informal employment, domestic work, and small businesses experienced the highest levels of vulnerability;
- the pandemic increased workloads, psychological stress, and unpaid care responsibilities;
- awareness of labour rights played an important role in strengthening workers’ protection;
- although government support measures mitigated some of the negative effects, many vulnerable groups of women remained outside targeted assistance programmes.
Based on the findings, the report offers evidence-based recommendations for government institutions, employers, and social partners aimed at strengthening women’s employment, improving labour rights protection, and enhancing labour market resilience to future crises.
The full research report is attached to this publication.