Back Strengthening support for refugee women and girls through closer co-operation with civil society organisations in Armenia

Strengthening support for refugee women and girls through closer co-operation with civil society organisations in Armenia

Civil society organisations across Armenia are strengthening their co-operation to better support refugee communities in Armenia, and address the complex challenges they face, from access to employment to social inclusion and protection.

More than 400 women and girls, including refugees, have already benefited from the Council of Europe supported initiatives, gaining access to vocational training, to employment opportunities and small business development, and tailored support for rebuilding their lives and advancing social and economic empowerment.

Building on these results, a networking event held in Gyumri brought together organisations working in refugee response and women’s empowerment to strengthen co-ordination, share practical experiences, and increase the effectiveness of support. Discussions focused on ow organisations can work more effectively together, better identify and respond to the needs of refugee women, and us communication tools, including social media and storytelling, to responsibly amplify women’s voices, while ensuring protection and authenticity, inclusion, and media literacy.

Reflecting on the event, a representative of one of the civil society organisations shared, “This event created a space not only to connect, but to reflect on how we can work more responsibly and effectively together to support refugee women. Sharing practical experiences and challenges helped us see new ways to collaborate and strengthen our impact.”

With a strong focus on people and processes, the event encouraged organisations to rethink on how they manage teams, protect beneficiaries, and co-operate internally to provide more responsive and ethical support. An interactive expo showcased practical solutions and innovative approaches developed by civil society actors across the country.

The event reinforced a shared understanding that stronger co-operation between organisations leads to more effective, inclusive and sustainable support for refugee women and girls.

The event was organised in cooperation between two Council of Europe projects implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023–2026 – Ending Violence Against Women and Promoting Gender Equality in Armenia (Phase II) and Strengthening Human Rights Safeguards for the Displaced Population in Armenia.

GYUMRI, ARMENIA 9-10 APRIL 2026
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What is the goal and objective of the project?

This project continues the critical work achieved in Phase I of the Council of Europe project Ending Violence against Women and Promoting Gender Equality in Armenia (2023-2024) on preventing and combating violence against women (VAW) and domestic violence (DV), while promoting gender equality.

The overall goal of this project is to enhance the protection and promotion of women's rights in Armenia, with a specific focus on preventing and combating VAW and DV, including its digital dimension, and promoting gender equality. 

  

 Start date: 01 January 2025

 Duration: 24 months

 Funding: 700,000 EUR, Donors contributing to the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023–2026

Contact person: Ms Liana Amirbekyan, Senior Project Officer

Who benefits from the project?
How does the project work?

The project is implemented across two key complementary areas:
Preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence: with a focus on the Istanbul Convention and on the GREVIO General Recommendation No.1 on the digital dimension of violence against women.
Promoting gender equality and women's empowerment: This area supports the integration of gender equality into educational curricula, enhance gender-responsive practices, and empower women, particularly refugee women and girls, to facilitate their active participation in political, public, and social life.

  • Strengthening policy and institutional frameworks:  to align Armenian legislation/ regulations with Council of Europe standards on gender equality and VAW/DV, including the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence known as the Istanbul Convention.
  • Improving practices, capacities, and awareness: to enhance the knowledge and skills of authorities, legal professionals, public officials, educators, media, and civil society to effectively address VAW/DV, promote gender equality, and combat stereotypes.
  • Supporting women's empowerment particularly refugee women and girls: to facilitate their active participation in political, public, and social life and to ensure their protection from violence.
What do we expect to achieve?

By combining legislative support, capacity building, and awareness-raising efforts, the project aims to create sustainable and impactful change, ensuring alignment with international standards and local ownership.

The project will be implemented in close co-operation with Armenian national authorities, civil society organisations, and other key stakeholders, with the Council of Europe’s local office to ensure that activities are tailored to the Armenian context.

Reference documents
 Watch the film about the achievements of phase I of the project