Empowerment for Women

Currently in Armenia, border villages, such as those in the Tavush region of Armenia, are plagued with economic hardships and unemployment. These villagers 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 eight border villages in the Tavush region. Women from the villages of Berdavan, Koghb, Dovegh, Djudjevan, Barekamavan, Koti, Voskevan and Baghanis will have the opportunity to participate in an intensive three month training in the areas of hair-dressing and cosmetology. Sponsorship of this project will allow 10 women total (at least one from each village) to participate in the three-month training program. Trainings will be held Monday through Friday for two hours a day. Students will be trained at a local salon that is approximately equal distance from all 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 from their home villages and provide services that many other 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.