Projects by four Armenian civil society organisations (CSOs) funded by the Council of Europe were successfully implemented between April and September 2024.

These initiatives focused on promoting social and economic inclusion of refugee women, preventing gender-based violence against them, and fostering gender equality which are among the priorities of cooperation between the Council of Europe and Armenia and the current 2023-2026 Action Plan for Armenia.

Each of the four Armenian CSOs involved adopted unique approaches to support refugee women and girls:

• Dizak Art organised master classes for 265 women, connecting refugee women entrepreneurs with local businesses to promote co-operation and create job opportunities.

• Family without Violence supported 115 women and girls in Lori region to recover from trauma and integrate, through awareness raising campaigns, art therapy, and counselling.

• Martuni Women’s Community Council reached 141 women in Gegharkunik region providing vocational training, and art therapy.

• Resource Centre for Women’s Empowerment trained 16 women in Kotayk region in essential skills, such as computer literacy and vocational training, to enhance their economic independence.

These initiatives have created safe spaces for refugee and local women to connect, share experiences, and collaborate on overcoming daily challenges.

A participant from Vanadzor highlighted the value of these efforts, stating: “We met during art therapy sessions and now help each other with everyday challenges. It's comforting to be part of the community and gain networks to create opportunities.”

These grassroots collective efforts of the CSOs demonstrate the transformative power of grassroots collaboration in building more inclusive, resilient communities in Armenia.

The projects were conducted in the framework of the Council of Europe Project Ending Violence against Women and Promoting Gender Equality in Armenia.