July 24, 2024
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The Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA) hosted its 9th international conference, “2024 Mission Armenia,” in Yerevan from May 29th to June 4th. Themed “Local to Global, Uniting for Change,” the Mission Armenia events included an Opening Reception where the launch of AIWA’s Yerevan Affiliate was announced, a one-day informative and inspiring Symposium where visionaries and changemakers shared their expertise, a series of Women’s Discussions for Change featuring deep and candid conversations, and mission trips where old partnerships were revisited and new partnerships formed. Mission Armenia events were centered around AIWA’s core pillars of education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment for Armenian women.
May 30th, Annual Meeting: AIWA held its annual meeting at the Zabel Yessayan Center, a partner that provides agricultural research, education, and agribusiness opportunities for women. This trip was a highlight, especially given that the center is named after Zabel Yessayan, a prominent Armenian female academic and political activist.
May 30th, Opening Reception & Launch of AIWA Yerevan: The successful launch of the AIWA Yerevan Affiliate marked a meaningful addition to the organization. “Community engagement is crucial not only internally but also for connecting Armenians globally, which is essential for elevating all Armenian women,” said Silva Katchiguian, AIWA President.
May 31st, Mission Armenia Symposium: The Symposium at the Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan unified Armenian women with a dedicated focus on Armenia to deepen insights into Armenia’s current landscape, engage with entities driving positive change across various spheres, and encourage further communication and collaboration between initiatives prioritizing the advancement of Armenian women’s interests. Panels featured Ministers of the Republic of Armenia and accomplished, dedicated female experts in various fields, including education, health and social welfare, business and entrepreneurship, advocacy, and human rights.
The speakers offered valuable insights and perspectives, sparking conversations that drive momentum for change and support women. Sheila Paylan, an international human rights lawyer and senior consultant at the United Nations, discussed women’s rights and international law with Karma Ekmekji, a mediation advisor for UN Women. Lea Hakim, Senior Country Economist for Armenia at the World Bank, led a conversation with Sisian Boghossian, former Head of the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Armenia, about the impact of diaspora engagement and efforts to create a new image for Armenia to boost tourism across all regions.
Conversations also focused on education, technology, entrepreneurship, and women’s roles in leading these advancements. The Ministers of Armenia, including Anahit Avanesyan (Minister of Health), Narek Mkrtchyan (Minister of Labor and Social Affairs), and Zhanna Andreasyan (Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport), contributed valuable insights into policies, gaps, and opportunities for involvement.
One form of contribution and engagement, diaspora volunteering, has grown in Armenia. Arina Zohrabian, Executive Director of Armenia Volunteer Corps, emphasized the significance of individual action and encouraged everyone to become changemakers. “High engagement of youth and the diaspora is vital to elevating Armenia and supporting our community,” she said.
Co-authors Gayane Aghabalyan and Elmira Ayvazyan presented The Making of Armenian WonderWoman, featuring 38 biographies of accomplished Armenian women. These inspiring stories reveal the achievements of notable women often overlooked, challenging social limitations and gender norms, and highlighting their importance in supporting and uplifting women. “The children’s book gives young women and girls strong Armenian figures to look up to as heroes,” said Alice Petrossian, AIWA Board Member and Mission Armenia Co-Chair.
Just like the remarkable women featured in The Making of Armenian WonderWoman, everyday heroes from Artsakh shared inspiring stories about how AIWA’s EmpowerPath Program has transformed their lives.
The event successfully fulfilled AIWA’s mission to unite women through learning, networking, and engagement.
June 2nd, Series of Women’s Discussions for Change: The conversations at the American University of Armenia fostered further discussion and engagement with young Armenian women, focusing on holistic approaches to women’s health and wellness in Armenia; accessibility and advocacy; the intersection of women, agriculture, and environmental sustainability; and women’s role in negotiation, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. These topics, especially advocacy and diplomacy, while not typically emphasized, are of great interest to the Yerevan Affiliate. Silva Katchiguian shares, “Women’s involvement in leadership and power is crucial because of the value women bring in shaping peace and navigating international affairs. Women in high-power roles are essential for justice, security, and success.”
June 4th, Visits with AIWA Partners: The EmpowerPath Project, one of AIWA’s recent initiatives, supports women from Artsakh by offering education resources in various fields, including technology, beauty, textiles, and food business. HubArtsakh, an AIWA partner where EmpowerPath training is conducted, was a key site for a mission trip that highlighted the program’s impact. During the visit, beneficiaries received certificates for completing their training. “The transformative power of education is evident in the EmpowerPath program, which has exceeded our expectations in helping the women of Artsakh achieve substantial growth and promising futures,” said Zela Astarjian, AIWA Vice President and Mission Armenia Co-Chair.
AIWA’s 33-year commitment to elevating Armenian women globally was powerfully showcased through Mission Armenia, which connected, engaged, and empowered Armenian women. This dedication will continue to be pursued by AIWA affiliates, including the newest addition in Yerevan.
