AIWA’s EmpowerPath initiative, launched in late 2023, is already under way with over 50 participants in Yerevan, Vartenis and Ararad regions vetted and selected by our partner organizations HubArtsakh and Armenia Round Table Foundation (ART).
We extend our heartfelt thanks to The Afeyan Foundation, Zarig and Jack Youredjian, Nina and Raffi Festekjian, Alice and Vahak Petrossian, and Overseas Investments, LLC whose contributions have been instrumental in setting a solid foundation for growth and impact of this initiative.
AIWA x Armenia Round Table Foundation (ART) Update
Participants of the Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA) Empower Path Initiative:
- Total Participants: 12 (all women), initially the project was planned for 9 beneficiaries, but the number increased thanks to budget savings.
Areas of Training:
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- Personnel Affairs and HR: 2 participants
- Makeup: 3 participants
- Hairdressing: 1 participant
- Social Media Marketing (SMM): 6 participants
- Internships were organized for last 6 participants as well
Tools Provided:
All participants received the requested tools necessary for work in June as per the
agreement. The distribution includes:
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- 1 sewing machine
- 1 oven and hob
- 6 laptops
- 3 makeup sets (tools and products)
- 1 set of hairdressing tools
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Next Steps:
- Monitoring of all beneficiaries.
- Assisting in job placement for those who do not plan to be self-employed.
AIWA x Hub Artsakh Update
AIWA EmpowerPath has made significant headway with our partner organization HubArtsakh. With a focus on empowering women, the program has trained over 50 individuals, carefully selected from a pool of over 275 applicants, prioritizing those facing heightened vulnerabilities and lacking prior work experience Understanding the challenges of accessibility, transportation costs have been covered for trainees commuting long distances to Yerevan for training sessions.
Diversifying skill sets has been a key aspect, with training spanning across various industries. Notably, 18 women have undergone training in the beauty industry through collaboration with Haze Academy,
Ongoing food business training, conducted by experts from institutions such as Gyumri Hospitality School, Glovo, and IRIS, have provided invaluable knowledge and skills to the participants. This has been enhanced with visits to operational kitchens.
Art House has equipped 12 women with essential sewing and design skills.
Beyond technical expertise, the program underscores the importance of soft skills development, encompassing areas such as time management, digital literacy, and communication.
The participants have also received trauma relief and resilience to equip them with anxiety management techniques, helping them cope with their grief and anxiety.
Hub Artsakh plays a crucial role in the AIWA Empower Path initiative by actively matching participants with job vacancies and providing ongoing training. The organization offers a robust infrastructure to support the current cohort of women, enhancing their job search skills and providing training in English language among other areas. This comprehensive support system helps in equipping women with the necessary tools to secure employment and advance professionally.
