Empowerment for Women 2

Border villages in Armenia, such as those in the Tavush region, are plagued with economic hardships and unemployment. These villages have very few options for employment (agriculture, teaching and few municipal positions) and do not have the means to seek training for new professions. For this reason, many of the residents (mainly men) flee to Russia to find employment and stable income. This leaves many women alone in their communities, without a profession and dependent on their husbands/fathers/brothers to send them money from abroad. This project aims to provide a viable employment solution to women from nine border villages in the Tavush region. Women from the villages of Berdavan, Koghb, Dovegh, Djudjevan, Barekamavan, Koti, Voskevan, Zorakan, Voskepar and Baghanis will have the opportunity to participate in an intensive three month training in the areas of hair-dressing, cosmetology, manicure technician and makeup artist. Sponsorship of this project will allow 20 women total (at least one from each village) to participate in the three-month training program. Trainings will be held three times a week for 2.5 hours a day. Students will be trained at a local salon that is approximately equal distance from all of the villages. Tools and supplies will be provided along with some basic business management and marketing classes, and transportations stipends. After completion of the training, participants will receive the necessary equipment they need to work from their home or a salon. They will be encouraged to work in their village and provide services that many villagers may go elsewhere for. These women will greatly benefit from the opportunity to participate in these occupational training courses, which would result in jobs, financial stability for their families and better the economy of their communities. In addition, their success will help empower them through a new sense of independence. This project is modeled after the successes of a pilot project carried out in the village of Koghb. 10 students from 8 border villages took training courses in cosmotolgy and hair-dressing. The project was a great success. The aim of the project was to prepare professionals who would be able to start working and earning their daily living. Upon completion of this program, participants were able to return to their respective villages and have been utilizing their new skills for income.