By Gayane Abrahamyan | "For Equal Rights" NGO President
Dear Supporters,
Since our last update, “For Equal Rights” (FER) community has continued to evolve, becoming not only a space of professional growth, but also a source of stability, resilience, and belonging for the women we serve. Our community of displaced women continues to grow as we work tirelessly to transform the challenges of forced displacement into opportunities for economic independence, inclusion, and long-term resilience.
During this reporting period, we are proud to continue sharing the progress and long-term impact of our “Job & Education for Forcibly Displaced Women from Artsakh” project.
The Current Context
As Armenia gradually moves closer toward the 2026 Parliamentary Elections, the country has entered an increasingly sensitive and polarized social and political period. Public discourse has become heavily affected by disinformation, false narratives, manipulative online content, and growing cases of FIMI (Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference). Discussions surrounding democracy, elections, and national security continue to generate tension, distrust, and uncertainty within society.
In this environment, strengthening democratic resilience, media literacy, and informed civic participation has become critically important. Much of FER’s organizational efforts during this period were therefore directed toward anti-corruption awareness campaigns, civic education initiatives, combating misinformation, and promoting the importance of fair and transparent elections. Through online educational outreach and community-based initiatives, we continued working with youth, women, and local communities to strengthen critical thinking and help individuals better recognize manipulative narratives, and misleading information online.
Displaced women remain particularly vulnerable within this environment and are disproportionately exposed to misinformation, manipulative narratives, emotional pressure, and information insecurity. Recognizing these risks, FER dedicated special attention to strengthening media literacy, critical thinking, and civic awareness among women beneficiaries. Many participants who received this support are now actively sharing this knowledge within their own communities, helping others better navigate disinformation, recognize manipulation, and engage more confidently and critically with public information and civic processes.
What We Have Achieved So Far
We would also like to take a moment to reflect on and share the impact we have achieved together so far.
Despite the external challenges, we continue seeing the long-term impact of this initiative. Thanks to the support of our donors and partners, more than 250 displaced women have already been supported through FER’s educational and empowerment initiatives, helping many reclaim professional confidence, develop sustainable income opportunities, and rebuild stability in their lives.
Our work is built on an Integration and Empowerment Pathway designed to restore both practical skills and personal resilience:
Supporting Our Communities Beyond the Project
One of FER’s priorities has always been ensuring that the impact of our programs continues beyond the active implementation phase. Throughout this period, we maintained close communication with our beneficiaries and continued involving many of them in various educational, awareness, and community-based initiatives implemented by the organization. We strongly believe that long-term empowerment requires continuity, trust, and sustained engagement beyond the duration of a single project.
We are also happy to report that our “Buy from Artsakh” online platform continues actively operating and has now grown to more than 6,900 members. The platform remains an important space connecting displaced women entrepreneurs with the broader public while fostering solidarity, visibility, and long-term community support.
Many women who participated in previous project activities continue using the professional and entrepreneurial skills gained through the initiative in their daily lives, small businesses, and career development. Seeing beneficiaries continue building stability, confidence, and independence long after the active training phase remains one of the most meaningful outcomes of our work.
Looking Ahead
While many women have already successfully rebuilt parts of their professional lives, many others are still waiting for their opportunity to learn, grow, and regain financial independence. FER remains committed to continuing vocational training, educational support, media literacy efforts, and community-building initiatives for displaced women and vulnerable groups in Armenia.
In today’s reality, strengthening resilient, informed, and economically independent communities is not only a humanitarian necessity, but also an important contribution to democratic stability and social cohesion in Armenia.
Our Sincere Gratitude
Unlike one-time assistance, your support helps create lasting foundations for dignity, stability, and long-term resilience. You are a vital part of these stories, and your generosity is what allows us to continue building opportunities, restoring confidence, and supporting women navigating some of the most difficult transitions of their lives.
Thank you for remaining part of this journey with us.
Kindest regards,
FER Team
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