In 2025–2026, we partnered with Sigrid Rausing Trust to support a diverse portfolio of feminist initiatives implemented by organizations, activist groups, and individual practitioners across Armenia.
These projects addressed gender-based violence, strengthened access to rights and services, supported women’s creative expression, and built stronger, more connected communities.
Arts, Feminist Expression, and Collective Healing
A number of projects used art as a tool for reflection, resistance, and connection.
- “The Enclosed Garden” by Maggie Khoudaverdyan created a multi-phase process in Margahovit and Vanadzor, combining residencies, community engagement, and the final “Dzen Dzeni” exhibition. The project brought together women artists and local women through shared practices such as movement, sound, and storytelling, resulting in artworks, performances, a zine, podcast, and video documentation.
- “The Trace of a Woman” by Emma Tigranyan, hosted at the HayArt Cultural Center, explored women’s identities and lived experiences through diverse artistic forms including installation, photography, and performance.
- “Our Childhood Games” by Marina Soloyan documented how gender norms are reproduced and challenged in children’s play across rural Armenia.
- “Women’s Circle” by Armine Zakaryan created a space for women to share experiences related to their bodies, health, and life transitions, building knowledge and collective care practices
These initiatives highlighted the role of feminist art in shaping dialogue, preserving memory, and fostering solidarity.
Addressing Sexual and Domestic Violence
A significant part of the partnership focused on prevention, awareness, and direct support.
- SACC NGO provided psychological and legal support to survivors of sexual violence, while also strengthening accessibility of services, including for persons with disabilities, and building professional capacities through training.
- The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women, uniting 10 civil society organizations, implemented a nationwide advocacy campaign around October 1, including media outreach, a panel discussion on femicide, and a public vigil honoring victims such as Zarouhi Petrosyan.
- GorisLAB Community Development Center organized the discussion “If He Hits, He Loves,” challenging harmful social myths and fostering intergenerational dialogue.
- Spitak Helsinki Group implemented legal awareness and digital literacy trainings in Tavush, empowering women, including those with disabilities, to recognize and respond to domestic violence.
These projects addressed both systemic gaps and community-level barriers, contributing to stronger prevention and response mechanisms.
Empowerment, Education, and Community-Based Work
Many initiatives focused on equipping women and girls with knowledge, skills, and support networks.
- Women of Armenia Network implemented nationwide programs combining workshops, mentorship, and networking to support personal and professional growth.
- “Safe Spaces for Displaced Women from Artsakh” by Milena Avetisyan provided a structured workshop series addressing rights, self-expression, and well-being for displaced women.
- “Women’s Voice Against Silence” by Mariya Tumasyan engaged communities in Jil village through discussions, art, and performance to raise awareness of domestic violence.
- Kanani NGO organized the “Women’s Rights Urban Quest in Gyumri,” combining interactive learning with direct engagement with local women leaders.
- Hub Artsakh Social Economic Development NGO implemented forum theatre activities to raise awareness on gender-based violence.
These programs created accessible spaces for learning and exchange, especially for young women and marginalized groups.
Feminist Media, Film, and Storytelling
The partnership also strengthened feminist storytelling and media production.
- A documentary workshop led by Arevik Avanesyan (Ap NGO) brought together women filmmakers and connected them to international platforms such as the Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival, contributing to the development of the Armenian Documentary Filmmakers Association.
- QueerLab combined podcasts and public events to address gender-based violence through art and sound.
- Satenik and Piruza brought together panel discussions and visual art created by youth in Charentsavan.
- Women’s Rights House (WRH) used performance art inspired by Hovhannes Tumanyan to highlight systemic inequalities.
These initiatives amplified diverse voices and expanded feminist narratives across cultural spaces.
Campaigns, Public Events, and Community Engagement
Projects were closely linked to key advocacy moments and public campaigns.
- During the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, organizations including Dvin Women’s Council and Safe Corner NGO implemented awareness campaigns, trainings, and community initiatives.
- For International Women’s Day, projects such as those by Tatev Azizbekyan, Berd Women’s Resource Center NGO, and the Armenian Center for Contemporary Experimental Art focused on challenging stereotypes, promoting feminist discourse, and increasing visibility of women artists.
- Additional regional initiatives engaged communities through screenings, discussions, exhibitions, and participatory campaigns.
Overall Impact
Through this collaboration:
- Survivors of violence accessed critical legal and psychological support
- Women and girls strengthened their knowledge of rights and expanded their opportunities
- Feminist art, media, and storytelling reached wider and more diverse audiences
- Community dialogue around gender equality and violence increased across regions
This partnership contributed to building a stronger feminist ecosystem in Armenia—one that connects grassroots activism, cultural production, and systemic advocacy to advance lasting social change.
