April 7, 2025

SGS 2024 Grantee: Contribution to Women and Children, operating in the Tavush region of Armenia

Project: Economic Stability and the Integration of Displaced Young People and Women from Nagorno-Karabakh through Arts and Crafts

The project was implemented between October 2024 and January 2025. The beneficiaries were 10 women forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh and 10 socially-vulnerable local women living in the towns of Dilijan and Ijevan in the Tavush region. Two groups were formed, each consisting of 10 women – 5 displaced women and 5 locals. Skilled instructors were hired, and their non-formal education was organised. They learned sewing for two months and beadwork for one month. By learning to sew, model, and embellish with beads, they created and decorated their own dresses.

With grant funding from the BEARR Trust, we provided sewing machines, fabrics, and beads to support their learning process. By acquiring a new profession, these women can now take orders from home and address their social challenges through self-employment. Moreover, we plan to establish a social enterprise where they can work if they choose to, thus contributing to poverty and unemployment reduction in our communities.

However, this project’s impact went beyond economic empowerment. The integration of displaced women with locals was crucial. For three months, they learned together, shared meals, and formed friendships, supporting one another outside the confines of the programme. Some even brought their children to classses, as they had no one to look after them. We engaged and provided meals for the children, and mothers sewed clothes and made accessories for them as well.

Additionally, we organised psychological counseling sessions to help them cope with their human and material losses. We also held discussions on gender equality and women’s rights, encouraging them to become active citizens and participate in community life.

Project Outcomes:

1. 10 displaced women from Nagorno-Karabakh gained new skills and can now take orders from home, achieving financial and economic stability.

2. 10 local women acquired the same skills, ensuring their financial independence.

3. Psychological support and close interaction helped displaced women integrate into the local community.

4. 20 active citizens now contribute positively to community life, reducing poverty and unemployment.

Since the participants came from socially vulnerable families where domestic violence was often prevalent, our gender discussions and information sessions helped reduce family violence and shape active citizenship in our communities.

At the end of the programme, participants received certificates.

Contact:

Manush Hovnanyan

President

Contribution to Women and Children

Tel: +374 99767557

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