In May-December 2021, with Council of Europe support, small grant projects were successfully implemented in three regions of Armenia by the following NGOs: Armavir Development Centre, SOSE Women's NGO and Martuni Women’s Community Council. The small grant projects aimed at raising awareness of the public on gender equality, gender-based violence and domestic violence as well as empowering women.
These projects achieved substantial results in providing information on existing support and protection services for women suffering from gender-based violence, access to justice, and the rights of women victims/survivors of violence. This was achieved through different events, counselling, art therapy, exhibitions, trainings, visibility materials and tools. Diversified channels of communication were used, including social media, radio, TV, mainstream media and public advertising.
Gender equality and women’s empowerment were promoted by raising awareness of the target groups, vocational trainings and job placements aimed at sustainable future income for women, including survivors of violence, internally displaced women or women in vulnerable positions, and enabling women to know their rights. The activities helped women to take back ownership of their lives and integrate into the communities.
Seventy women survivors of domestic violence and internally displaced women acquired new job-related skills on accounting, computer skills, sewing and cooking, gaining self-confidence, empowerment and getting a clear vision of how to be economically independent. About 15% of these women have now either found a relevant job or are self-employed.
30 targeted women received psychosocial services to develop the necessary coping skills, which help women to restore ownership of their lives and integrate into communities, to be self-reliant and independent, and as a result being empowered to stand up against any kind of violence.
Through awareness raising activities carried out by the NGO Martuni Women’s Community Council in the Gegharkunik region, about 15,000 people were informed about domestic violence as an issue for the region, women's rights, and legal regulations on the topic.
The small grants projects were implemented within the framework of the Council of Europe project “The Path towards Armenia’s ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence”.
