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Exchange meetings in Azerbaijan (7-8.06.11) and Armenia (15-16.06.11) were organized within the framework of the project "Contribution to IDP women’s integration in local society through their involvement monitoring of local self-government activities”. Participants of the meetings were women IDPs who did monitoring of the local self-government budgets in the spheres of social protection, health care and education taking into account gender aspect.
Women IDPs had meetings with representatives of Azerbaijani non-governmental organisation "Protection of Women’s Rights” (Baku) as well as with representatives of Sarai (Sumgait) and Yasamal (Baku) municipalities. In Yasamal municipality there are 3 women-chairpersons in 5 commissions.
In Armenia they had meetings with representatives of non-governmental organisation "Women for development” (Gyumri), municipalities of Shirak region (village Aregnadem) and Gyumri, and with the board of the Society for the protection of the rights of the family, women and children.
During the meetings participants were familiarized with the very effective programe on assisting of pregnant women. According to this programe consultations for pregnant women and childbirth are free of charge. Women who have given birth have annual maternity leave and receive finanicial aid during 2 years.
At the meetings it was stressed that the situation of women has improved, but still there are many unresolved issues related to gender, social protection, healthcare and education and there should be developed a special strategy to address those issues. | 
