LOCAL HANDICRAFTS FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

HDIF is so excited to share with you that HDIF’s CEO Timothy decided for his 65th birthday to push forward the fundraising campaign dedicated to the organization. The total amount raised is about $ 5,000, which was achieved in only 2 weeks. What a fantastic result!

This was an amazing experience that wouldn’t be possible without each of you, who contribured in our mission to help Armenian women living in the regions of our country, 

We want to thank you for your generosity and hope towards the future of our Motherland. Together we can make this world a better place!

Just to remind, HDIF is a Fair Trade Organization that supports  Armenian artisan women from different Armenian regions, as well as Syrian-Armenian refugees, giving them the opportunity to find work in their local communities. The handicrafts they created are mostly exported to different countries such as the USA, UK, or Switzerland, and presented locally in a showroom "Impact Shop by HDIF" at Impact Hub Yerevan. 

Anna, Arusyak, Satenik are three young women helping to run Koghb Art School, which was founded 15 years ago. It was established to enrich the lives of people in the community by promoting an appreciation for art and culture.

“It was only because of HDIF we were able to keep eight new jobs during the pandemic. Shops were closed and there were no tourists”. - says Anna from Koghb border village. The Yereqnuk team has a lot of new ideas of beautiful and unique products. The core group consists of 8 artisans, but it can reach up to 18 or more depends on the order from HDIF. The Yereqnuk is one of the most sustainable producer partners of HDIF. It's profit goes to supporting the Koghb Art School and engaging young generation into these kind of initiatives. 

Maral is one of the talented creators of HDIF's artisan handicrafts.

Maral came to Armenia with her family from Syria in 2015. Here she started a small handicraft business on her own, which has begun its wholesale production under the auspices of HDIF. Maral works with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Armenia  by making different products for their MADE 51 project. 

She enjoys her job a lot, which used to be her favorite hobby. Ever since Maral was a child, she had the unconditional love for Armenian culture and traditions. Maral's grandmother decided to teach her embroidery techniques. And It has been transformed into a creative handicraft based on a variety of traditional elements and symbols. 

Maral has a unique artistic vision. Many people not only in Armenia but also abroad have noticed her beautiful works. That’s how she began participating in various international exhibitions held in Syria, France, Brazil, Canada and other countries as well. Today she gives master classes of handicrafts to Armenian women who want to pursue an art career.