2020
Narod Haroutunian
- Age: 30
- | She/her/hers
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The fight for gender equality does not only concern women and girls, it concerns everyone. We all benefit from living in societies where traditional gender norms are challenged, giving everyone at least the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
- Narod Haroutunian
Bio
Narod Haroutunian is a communications consultant working with nonprofits to leverage their unique strengths and make a meaningful impact through effective advocacy, policy, and public affairs strategies. She also has a knack for turning boring press releases into attention-grabbing headlines and turning awkward social media posts into viral sensations. Some of her clients include ABAAD – Resource Center for Gender Equality (Lebanon), Women Political Leaders (Belgium), New Incentives (United States).
What ignited your pursuit for gender equality?
It started with my very first internship - and then job - at a nonprofit called Women Political Leaders, which is the global network of women in political leadership positions. I began to learn about the challenges women politicians face, including harmful stereotypes, harassment, discrimination and even violence, which all make it harder for women to enter and succeed in politics. I became interested in the issue of women's underrepresentation in politics and, ultimately, understanding the root causes of inequality in our societies.
Please share your biggest wins as an advocate for gender equality.
Being able to voice the concerns of women and girls in Lebanon and shed light on the issue of gender-based violence at the 2019 UN ECOSOC High-Level Segment in New York. I was one of the youngest speakers delivering a statement. (I used to be an intern at the UN serving as conference officer in the same room where I delivered the speech two years later.)
Outside of your gender equality advocacy work, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy swimming and reading.
Languages Spoken:
- Armenian (Advanced/Native)
- English (Advanced/Native)
- Arabic (Intermediate)
- French (Intermediate)
- Spanish (Elementary)
- English (Advanced/Native)
Speaks On:
- GBV
- advocacy efforts to reform policies
- women's participation and leadership
Past Awards, Certifications, or Fellowships:
- United Nations Secretariat Internship Certificate (2017)
- European Commission Traineeship Certificate (2017)
- Lebanese American University Certificate of Recognition for Student Engagement (2012)
- World Youth Alliance United Nations Leadership Training (2012)
- United Nations Development Program Certificate of Service (2011)
