Women in Charentsavan and Artashat are charting new paths for community development following meetings held on February 17 and 18. The gatherings brought together graduates of the “KATARINE” Academy participants, alumni and residents ready to take responsibility for their communities’ growth. Participants focused on solving local issues through cooperation between local government, civil society, and citizens, while also addressing the challenges women face in politics.
During the meetings, Kristine Mkhitaryan, Program Manager of the Oxygen Foundation, emphasized that the platform aims to create valuable connections that lead to real change. Greta Gevorgyan, Coordinator of the “KATARINE” program, further highlighted the Academy’s mission to support women’s political activism.
Led by facilitator Kristine Asatryan, the dialogue addressed the need for active citizens and civil society organizations to move beyond advisory roles into full partnerships where women’s voices are decisive in decision-making. A significant portion of the discussion involved an exchange of experiences between former and current members of the council of elders, who shared both the barriers they have faced in political life and the successful solutions used to overcome them.
These meetings strengthened the ties between local government, civil society, and active residents, helping to clarify community agendas for a more equal and inclusive future.
The project is funded by the UK Government under the UK International Development Assistance Framework and is implemented by the National Institute for Democracy in partnership with the Oxygen Foundation.
