Tatevik Stepanyan’s mission to build an inclusive Armenia: “My motivation is to make the world a better place”
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Tatevik Stepanyan is the Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of Armenia, where she leads national reforms on disability inclusion, child protection, care for the elderly, gender equality, and the prevention of violence against women. A dedicated policymaker and advocate for inclusive governance, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight as the mother of a child with disabilities. Stepanyan plays a key role in advancing major initiatives in Armenia, including the introduction of a new disability assessment system, the expansion of survivor support services, and the development of the 2025–2028 National Gender Strategy. Her work is guided by a commitment to building a more equitable, accessible, and compassionate Armenia for all.
“I joined the government because I didn’t want to miss the chance to design policies that could truly support vulnerable people.” – Tatevik Stepanyan
Her journey into public service is rooted in both dedication and personal experience. As the mother of a child with disabilities, Stepanyan has dedicated her work to building systems that protect and empower people. She is responsible for areas such as disability inclusion, child protection, care for older people, gender equality, prevention of violence against women and anti-trafficking.
“My motivation came from a deep belief in making the world a better place,” she explained. “My personal journey helped me recognize systemic problems and pushed me to find practical solutions.”
Before entering government, Stepanyan worked in the private sector, where she often encountered gender-based discrimination.
I had to prove to groups of men that I knew the procedures inside and out and could manage several tasks at once. Those experiences taught me that knowledge, not gender, defines professionalism.” – Tatevik Stepanyan
As Deputy Minister, she leads reforms that directly improve people’s lives. In 2023, Armenia introduced a new system for assessing disability, marking a major step toward more comprehensive and inclusive services. Under her leadership, the Ministry also strengthened child protection systems, expanded foster care, developed a full support framework for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, and introduced home-based care for the elderly so they can remain in their communities. In April 2025, the Government of Armenia also adopted the 2025-2028 National Gender Strategy and Action Plan.
“In my work, everything is about human stories,” she said. “It is profoundly moving to see a survivor of violence rebuild her life, or a person with a disability gain independence through personal assistance. These are the moments that show our efforts are worth it.”
Yet gender stereotypes remain deeply rooted in Armenia’s public life, Stepanyan noted.
“When a woman is appointed to a leadership position, her hairstyle or clothing immediately becomes a topic of discussion. We need to draw a red line between professional and personal criticism.” – Tatevik Stepanyan
Women with disabilities, Stepanyan explained, often carry a double burden of discrimination. Many disabilities remain unseen - mental, intellectual or behavioural - yet their impact is profound. “Overcoming this requires changing public attitudes, ensuring an accessible environment, and providing inclusive education.”
Despite the challenges, Stepanyan remains optimistic. Her hope lies in the next generation - young people growing up with greater awareness and openness toward equality.
“My motivation comes from seeing real results and knowing that every honest, consistent effort bears fruit,” she said. “I live by principles that I never compromise: honesty and dedication to my values. Life has a boomerang effect - what you plant today, you will harvest tomorrow.”
This story is part of “She Changes the Norms” campaign, produced in the framework of the “EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence” programme (phase 2), funded by the European Union, and implemented jointly by UN Women and UNFPA. This article was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of UN Women and UNFPA and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.