Armenia’s gender pay gap persists despite women’s educational achievements and growing workforce participation. Narrowing this gap requires legal reforms, supportive policies, and a cultural shift toward equity and inclusion.

Jana Bohlmann explains

Amid Yerevan’s chaotic development, grassroots initiatives led by local and diasporan architects are reimagining Armenia’s architectural landscape. By fostering dialogue and hands-on learning, they aim to rethink building practices and promote responsible, sustainable approaches to architecture.

Article by Nairi Khatchadourian

Yerevan Bus Drivers Go On Strike

Early this morning, Yerevan bus drivers went on strike demanding higher wages. Hours later, Yerevan Municipality announced the dismissal of 18 drivers, citing loss of trust and material damage.

On January 1, Yerevan’s public transportation will fully switch to a cashless unified ticketing system. To prepare, the municipality introduced QR code payments on November 1 and bank card payments on December 2, while cash payments remain limited to 100-dram coins.

Previously, passengers paid cash directly to drivers, which the municipality criticized as lacking transparency. Spokesperson Hayk Kostanyan stated the new system has significantly reduced undeclared revenue. He added that despite efforts to address drivers’ concerns and promises of improved working conditions as revenues increase, many drivers continue to make “illogical demands” and engage in “blackmail.”

Deputy Mayor Suren Grigoryan stated that since the November 1 changes, revenue from public transportation has surged, with funds previously going into "various pockets, including some drivers," now entering the city budget. Daily revenue has increased by 5 million drams (over $12,000) with no additional increase in passenger flows.

Last week we published a comprehensive report by Hranoush Dermoyan about the ongoing transportation reforms in Yerevan.

Public transportation in Yerevan has become a focal point of public frustration and municipal reform efforts in recent years. But can the chaotic and uncomfortable daily commute truly be transformed?

Hranoush Dermoyan explores the challenges and prospects.

In this month’s “Outside In” column, Maria Gunko explores how the pronouns "they" and "we" are used to navigate narratives of destruction, complicity and survival. She examines the shifting boundaries of agency and the struggle for meaning in a post-socialist, post-truth landscape.

Armenia is developing policies to inventory, preserve, restore and promote historical monuments, recognizing their economic and cultural value. While progress aligns with sustainable development goals, significant challenges in preservation and management persist.

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Rafayel Israelyan, one of the most prolific architects of the Armenian world, left an enduring mark on Armenia’s architectural landscape with his visionary designs that included memorials, fountains, bridges, churches, government buildings, and more. Despite his remarkable contributions, his legacy is underappreciated.

Article by Gohar Abrahamyan

Looking to Ireland’s success, Raffi Kassarjian explores how Armenia can harness its diaspora, invest in education and innovation, and align efforts across sectors to craft a unified strategy for a transformative and impactful national agenda.

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Big Changes in Armenia's Leadership
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has appointed 30-year-old Arpine Sargsyan as Interior Minister and 33-year-old Davit Khudatyan as Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, after a major shake-up in top government positions. These appointments come after Pashinyan’s sharp criticism of law enforcement and the judiciary during a cabinet meeting last week. The reshuffle included the dismissal of the chiefs of the Investigative and Anti-Corruption Committees, the Chair of the Supreme Judicial Council, and two ministers (Territorial Administration & Infrastructure and Interior Affairs).

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