Promoting gender equality in Armenia
Stepping out of one’s comfort zone can be daunting for anyone looking to improve their prospects in life with little to no resources. Now just imagine what it takes for the women of Armenia—who represent over half its population— to break free of the traditional molds and ancestral mores that often leave them trapped in a state of economic struggle and stagnation.
This reality gave form to the AGBU EmpowerHer initiative: a comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy designed to help Armenia’s women step into their full potential, become financially self-sufficient, and contribute to the health and wealth of their nation.
EmpowerHer helps women from all regions of Armenia gain a leg up in their lives with professional development courses, mentorship connections and access to a growing number of like-minded women supporting women. The suite of programs kicked off with our signature AGBU Women Entrepreneurs in 2017 followed shortly by AGBU Women Coders and Women Changemakers. These initiatives complement an already robust network of Hye Geen Centers across Armenia and Artsakh which aim to support expecting and new mothers and their families through a critical transition period.
All EmpowerHer participants report a sense of greater self esteem and confidence upon completion of their program.
AGBU EmpowerHer combines both educational and psycho-social components that work to change perceptions and teach skills essential to gaining financial and social independence. Recognizing that transformational social change demands consensus from diverse segments of society, AGBU has developed strategic partnerships and collaborations with in-country stakeholders, thought leaders and influencers, in both the public and private sectors.
With 400 participants to date and 50% of our women coming from outside of Yerevan, the EmpowerHer network is making its mark across the region.
EmpowerHer participants gain exposure and opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to them. Check out the latest happenings from our programs below.
67 participants completed our Women Coders Program, ready to take on the tech world with proficiency in DevOps, Python, QA, Angular, UI/UX Design.
Women Coders had the opportunity to present their work to experts from well-known IT companies in Armenia. The meeting gave participants real world exposure and feedback.
Lusine Paronyan from Ijevan is the founder of Vanane handmade and hand-painted bags. Participating in the Program helped her advance her entrepreneurial knowledge, enrich professional network, and make lifelong friends. Watch the success stories of our beneficiaries.
Through insightful workshops, diverse IT specialists lead AGBU Women Coders on a journey to explore the profound significance of the IT sector and its indispensable role in our ever-evolving world.
Each year in December, AGBU's women entrepreneurs participate in the largest Christmas Market Expo, offering important visibility for their diverse businesses. In 2022, 40 beneficiaries from Armenia and Artsakh showcased their products at the Expo from December 23-27.
Thousands of applicants each year means high demand for AGBU's offerings. Their promise to improve their lives relies on our power to deliver broad reaching programming. Together with your help, we can take AGBU EmpowerHer programming to the next stage.
To learn more about the areas in which you can direct your meaningful gift and the many ways of supporting AGBU, please contact our Director of Development and Outreach:
Karen Papazian
Kpapazian@agbu.org
212-319-6383