Following the 10-month blockade of the Nagorno-Karabakh where people have been deprived from fundamental necessities such as food, hygiene, healthcare etc. and military attack of Azerbaijan the ethnic Armenians had to flee their homes and seek for rescue in Armenia. The country is currently hosting an over 100.000 forcibly displaced ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, among them, 52% are women. They face an increased risk of gender-based violence (GBV) and trauma due to their displacement. The establishment of Women and Girls Safe Spaces (WGSS) is a critical response to this crisis.
The creation of WGSSs for forcibly displaced women in Armenia is a fundamental step towards addressing the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable group. By providing safety, support, and empowerment, this initiative contributes to their well-being and resilience.
THE PROJECT OBJECTIVES
- Establish Women and Girls Safe Spaces where forcibly displaced women and girls can socialize, integrate and develop their skills, find safety and protection from violence and marginalization.
- Ensure access to essential services such as post-traumatic psychosocial support, legal support and vocational trainings to develop their skills and competences and address the diverse needs of displaced women, and, where possible, extend these services to local women, promoting social cohesion and a sense of unity in the community.
- Support displaced women to utilize their skills and competences and create products and services that benefit not only themselves and other displaced women but also the broader local community, promoting social integration, cohesion and economic empowerment.
The project is financed by United Nations Population Fund and implemented in cooporation with OxYGen Foundation.
