New Income Opportunities for vulnerable Armenians

A first-hand account from a woman in Armenia who wished to remain anonymous.

Just one year ago I had a very different life. I had no profession and my relatives did not consider my opinion in family-related decisions, I felt unfulfilled and very unhappy. Only one year has passed, and now I have a completely different life.

I had always dreamed of receiving a good education, but my parents did not support this ambition because they believed that a woman’s happiness and purpose in life comes from getting married. Sadly, my husband thought the same way, so I never received the support and encouragement I needed to pursue my dream. This made me unhappy and vulnerable to mistreatment from my parents, husband, and environment.

In 2015, I learned about a project named “Advancing gender equality and the rights of survivors of gender-based violence in Armenia’’ being implemented in Lori region by the Near East Foundation. The project provides an opportunity for vulnerable women to receive vocational training in the desired field and to start their own business. I couldn’t believe coming across such an opportunity, and knew that this would my chance to pursue my dream and make something of myself. 

Through the project, I attended vocational training to become a beautician at the best beauty salon in Vanadzor. In the beginning, I did not want to take the risk of developing a business plan and did not imagine that I would ever be able to start my own business. After some months of attending trainings my confidence grew, and I realised that I did want to have my business. To my amazement, my business plan was chosen by the selection committee and I received a grant to buy items to start my own at-home salon! 

After opening my salon, day by day the numbers of clients increased – as did my income. After only a few months, I knew that my profession would provide me with a reliable income. At the same time, another beauty salon—impressed by my skills and business knowledge—incited me to work part-time in their salon.

My husband and my extended family are much more supportive of me now. Having my own business gave me a confidence I didn’t know I could have—I feel like a brand-new woman! I feel so happy and proud that I could take control and improve my life for the better.

Thank you for continueing to make stories like this possible!