Mariam ZADOYAN, Armenia
PROJECT: Introduction of the institute of beneficial ownership in Armenia

Skilled in research, public monitoring and evidence-based policy advocacy, Mariam is working towards tackling corruption in Armenia. As a Vice President at the Armenian Young Lawyers’ Association and a Legal Expert at the Armenian Lawyers’ Association, she implemented a number of projects funded by the international stakeholders (EU, USAID). Given that, she has made her input in the Armenian policy development, including anti-corruption, human rights and gender equality reforms.  She also acts as a competitive attorney being engaged in cases with broad public resonance and serves as a member of the RA Council on Women Issues headed by the RA Deputy Prime Minister. Mariam also coordinates the business whistleblowing website www.bizprotect.am/en and has acted as a host of the only legal program in Armenia, “Legal Week”, aired on legal website www.iravaban.net. She is an author/co-author of approximately 15 publications in the fields of the fight against corruption, good governance, international law, corporate law, etc. 

Mariam holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the French University in Armenia, a Master’s Degree in Law from the American University of Armenia, and currently, she is completing her second LL.M. in Public International Law with Human Rights Specialization. 

“The Fellowship gave me a golden chance to climb up in my career to another step. I had the honor of introducing one of the most recent anti-corruption trends in Armenia and participating in the most prestigious and high-level conferences and workshops worldwide. Also, I met many inspirational people and experienced unforgettable moments that keep me reiterating that EaP Fellowship is the most outstanding program I have ever participated in.” – Mariam ZADOYAN

Introduction of the institute of beneficial ownership in Armenia

The project aimed to combat corruption in Armenia and foster free economic competition through research, constructive dialogue, and awareness-raising training. In the beginning, Mariam organized the workshops on Introduction of the Institute of Beneficial Ownership in the Republic of Armenia in the five Armenian cities of Yerevan, Vanadzor, Gyumri, Gavar, and Kapan. Then, Mariam held a roundtable discussion in a public-private dialogue format to discuss the possibility of the introduction of the concept in the RA anti-corruption strategy. Finally, based on the international best practices, Mariam developed policy recommendations. In addition, Mariam carried out social media campaigns in the frames of which she produced awareness-raising publications. To enhance her skills and exchange ideas on the anti-corruption lobby, she participated in the 5th Open Government Partnership Global Summit in Tbilisi and did a study tour at the various anti-corruption institutions in the United Kingdom, as well as at the Centre for Policies and Reforms of Moldova.

Through the interactive seminars, the action raised awareness on the concept of Beneficial Ownership and improved the knowledge and understanding of 80 young lawyers, civil society and business representatives throughout Armenia. The latter was followed by a roundtable discussion in the Public-Private Dialogue format, engaging more than 100 participants from governmental bodies, international organizations, business, civil society organizations, youth associations, and media outlets. Due to the advocacy efforts during the discussion and under the project, in general, the introduction of the beneficial ownership registry has been enshrined in the RA Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2019-2022.  The campaign and publications served as a tool to reach a wider audience and inform them about the anti-corruption measures. In addition, the social advertising video Together against Corruption prepared within the Action was selected among the best three works of the International Youth Competition organised among the 6 member states of the CIS. In this regard, Mariam was awarded a medal by the RA Prosecutor General for her endeavours and commitments towards fighting against corruption. Thus, the action built capacity for Mariam herself, as she was given the opportunity to advance her skills through the field visits in London, Chisinau, and Tbilisi.  

Project in media:

Ինչու՞ է անհրաժեշտ բացահայտել ընկերությունների իրական սեփականատերերին

Ովքե՞ր են ընկերությունների իրական սեփականատերերը

Իրավաբանների հայկական ասոցիացիայի անդամ Մարիամ Զադոյանը՝ մրցանակակիր

Fellowship Programs 2018
Country Armenia
Areas of Interest Advocacy
Watchdog
Topics Democratic participation
Judiciary & legal system
Transparency & accountability
Project duration June 2018 - November 2018