Dear women,

I heartily congratulate each and every one of you on the occasion of International Women's Day. This holiday has always been important for us, but now we attach special importance to it.

Today, we first bow to our mnumerous mothers, whose sons gave their lives for the sake of the motherland. Many of them give new life and hope to all of us, overcoming grief by ragain enjoying the joy of motherhood and thus resurrecting their martyred children.

We bow to our women widowed as a result of the war, who bear the burden of caring for bereaved families and call on their children to live, learn, overcome all difficulties and win the battles that fate brings.

Today we bow to those women who are a strong support and trust to their husbands serving in the armed forces, who are responsible for the security of the country, the state.

Today, we bow to the women who serve in the Armed Forces themselves, while also highlighting the expansion of women's roles in the life of our country that is happening before our very eyes. And this is not an ideological, political, or even worldview issue.

For quite a long time now, women have been the majority of our country's population and understandably need to take on more responsibility. And it is logical that today in our country more and more often women assume roles, responsibilities and positions that are unprecedented in the history of our country and our society should encourage this process.

Women are increasingly involved in economic activities, state administration and local self-government, judicial and law enforcement systems, and, as mentioned above, in the armed forces. And this is the guaranty of our country's development, because not using the huge potential of women to the full means being short-sighted.

Many are pessimistic about the expansion of the role of women in all spheres of public and state life, stressing that the woman is the pillar of the traditional Armenian family. This is certainly true and unequivocal. But the man is also the pillar of the traditional Armenian family and no one is worried when the man serves in the army, the police, engages in economic activities, or leads an active public-political life. On the other hand, of course, the state should make motherhood an issue of special care, which we do consistently.

On March 8, 2023, I considered it important to outline this context, because the International Women's Day is not about women being fragile and vulnerable. International Women's Day is about women being more capable.

Dear women, I congratulate each and every one of you on March 8. Thank you for going above and beyond and always willing to go above and beyond.

And therefore,

Long Live Freedom

Long live the Republic of Armenia

Long live our children who will live in Free and Happy Armenia.