Ajakits

Ajakits, a legally registered NGO in Armenia, is Women’s Domestic Violence Center located in Gyumri, Armenia. For over ten years Ajakits has, and continues to be, a safe haven for women who have been victims of domestic violence and whose rights are violated. Advocating on behalf of women who have been victimized by domestic violence and undertaking measures for the protection of their children, Ajakits’ crisis center, shelter and hotline provide 24/7 help to women.

However, Ajakits’ activities go beyond direct help to women and their families. They find it crucial to educate society, raise awareness and work with governmental structures as well as network with other non-governmental organizations for lasting change.

Institutions
In 2010 Ajakits successfully completed the “Protected Women – Healthy Society 2″ project, funded by the US Embassy in Armenia. The project was aimed at improving the enforcement of existing laws protecting women and children whose rights have been violated in the family through education of police officers and social workers, while at the same time, to raise public awareness through TV program talk shows and informational leaflets.

Working with society
Ajakits conducts seminars, workshops and round table discussions for the general public across Shirak Marz. The aim of these discussions and seminars is to raise public awareness on the issue of women’s rights and healthy lifestyle. Ajakits also does publicity to reach wider audiences. In 2010, four TV programs were broadcasted on the local TV Shirak, as well as one TV program on Armavir regional TV and one TV program on Sevan TV.

Empowerment of rural women
Since 2005 Ajakits has been working in the field of reproductive and primary healthcare. Ajakits has worked in 80 rural communities of Shirak, 20 rural communities of Tavush, five communities of Aragatsotn and five rural communities in Kotayk. Ajakits conducted community capacity building and primary healthcare trainings for the locals and created active groups which continue working in their communities ensuring the sustainability of the project. Ajakits distributed leaflets on women’s rights, reproductive health, primary healthcare and healthcare policy.

Thanks to the continuous support from AIWA, Ajakits is able to offer moral, psychological, legal, social and health services, while sustaining a shelter for battered women and children.