UNDP in Armenia has engaged in multiple initiatives to promote equal rights and opportunities for men and women in Armenia. UNDP has partnered with counterparts from the government and the civil society to make this possible. 

The projects varied from helping create strong communities with women and youth leaders who want to be involved in local politics to supporting alternative income-generating schemes prioritizing equal rights and opportunities for women beneficiaries. A big spotlight was given also to women in innovation. Two women innovators, who created their own startups, now lead the Department of Innovation within the Ministry of Justice. Women entrepreneurs were also successful in creating flagship social startups providing support for those in need. The examples include “Yamaka” mobile app for children with autism, “Seeing Hands” massage salon for employees with eyesight impairment, “Accessibility Map” mobile application for people with disabilities, “ArVest” Arts game. 

Socioeconomic projects were implemented in 7 regions of Armenia – Tavush, Shirak, Lori, Aragatsotn, Gegharkunik, Kotayk and Syunik - that supported the creation of full-time jobs and alternative incomes for 416 individuals, 147 or 35 percent of whom were women. In its turn, this strengthened the livelihoods of about 6670 people, approximately 49 percent of whom were women. This support extended to areas of wine production, greenhouse establishment and vegetable seedling aiming to strengthen profit- oriented self-sustaining communities. In Berd 32 women established Berd Women Resource Center Foundation that focused on conservation of valuable plant genetic resources: blueberry, hawthorn, barberry. They established alternative income-generating schemes focusing on agribusiness and green jobs, in particular, producing herbal tea, wild berries, and homemade jams.

See more details about UNDP work in 2017 across thematic areas on gender equality and women’s empowerment in the above infographics.