{"id":9901,"date":"2026-02-19T16:22:11","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T12:22:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oxygen.org.am\/?p=9901"},"modified":"2026-02-19T16:22:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T12:22:11","slug":"from-conversations-around-the-stove-to-institutional-change-arevuts-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oxygen.org.am\/en\/news\/from-conversations-around-the-stove-to-institutional-change-arevuts-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"From Conversations Around the Stove to Institutional Change: Arevut\u2019s Journey"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Isolated from public and political life for decades, the Arevut Yezidi community is now forming an Advisory body under the Head of the Community and expressing its willingness to contribute to the activation of community life and to take part in decision-making processes. This is the choice of a closed, homogeneous ethnic community to move beyond the role of an observer and take responsibility for its own development.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The creation of an Advisory body by Arevut residents is a precedent-setting event. It took place within the framework of the \u201cBudget4Change: Promoting Gender Equality and Inclusion\u201d project and is the result of long-term, sensitive work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The OxYGen Foundation achieved this milestone thanks to the unwavering dedication and support of the community\u2019s Local Self-Government and field professionals. Work in the Arevut community began in mid-2025 and faced many challenges and obstacles, all of which were overcome through patient, determined effort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The \u201cSmall Steps\u201d Strategy\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"For decades, the Arevut Yezidi community remained largely isolated from public and political life. Deep-rooted social, ethnic, and economic challenges, combined with specific cultural and gender norms, had limited community engagement. Understanding these circumstances and respecting cultural specificities, community development specialist Zara Aghanyan developed tailored methodologies and culturally sensitive tools to ensure effective communication and collaboration with residents.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Over the past few months, meetings, discussions, and workshops have taken place in the Arevut community in a warm, inviting atmosphere around a traditional stove and accompanied by homemade village delicacies. The community administration and engagement specialist Haje Bakoyan played a key role in supporting active participation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t