Continuing our collaboration with KVINFO, this year our focus is women’s labor rights. Prior to project development, a three-day capacity-building training on women’s labour rights and workplace equality was organized for women’s rights and feminist organizations in Armenia. The training provided an in-depth overview of women’s labour rights within the framework of social justice, gender equality, and international labour standards. Participants explored fundamental labour rights such as fair wages, working hours, rest, and protection from dismissal, alongside structural barriers faced by women in the labour market.
The sessions addressed key issues including gender-based discrimination, workplace violence and harassment under International Labour Organization Convention 190, occupational safety and health, maternity and caregiving protections, and the rights of domestic and informal workers. Additional focus was placed on remote work, digital labour rights, and collective protection mechanisms such as unions and legal remedies.
Following the training, participating organizations developed community-based projects addressing labour rights violations, workplace discrimination, economic exclusion, and gender inequality in employment. The selected initiatives focus on increasing legal awareness, strengthening access to protection mechanisms, and promoting safer and more inclusive working environments for women and marginalized groups across Armenia. The projects are ongoing.
Resource Center for Women’s Empowerment (RCWE): “Work Without Fear” Online Awareness Campaign
The RCWE works to create safer and more empowering conditions for women in the Kotayk region, with a focus on preventing domestic violence and expanding opportunities for women’s advancement.
Through the project “Work Without Fear,” the organization will launch an online awareness campaign addressing systemic violations of women’s labour rights in Armenia, including pregnancy-related dismissals, unequal pay, unsafe working conditions, overwork, and workplace harassment.
The initiative aims to increase women’s legal awareness, strengthen self-protection skills, and provide accessible information on labour rights and complaint mechanisms, particularly for women in vulnerable and informal employment.
Sexual Assault Crisis Center (SACC): “Safe Working Environment for Women”
SACC has worked for nearly two decades to support survivors of gender-based and sexual violence through psychological, social, legal, and advocacy services.
Through the project “Safe Working Environment for Women,” the organization aims to raise awareness of women’s labour rights and workplace sexual harassment, while fostering dialogue with trade unions on creating safer and more equitable workplaces.
The initiative includes informational materials, monthly meetings with women workers, social media awareness videos, and direct support for women facing labour rights violations or sexual harassment in the workplace.
Pink Armenia: “Regional Platform for the Economic and Legal Empowerment of Women and Queer People”
“Pink” Human Rights Defender NGO works to advance human rights and promote equality and social inclusion for LGBTQ+ people in Armenia, with a particular focus on protecting the rights of LBT+ women and addressing gender-based discrimination and violence.
Through the project “Regional Platform for the Economic and Legal Empowerment of Women and Queer People,” the organization supports women and queer individuals in the Lori and Tavush regions who face employment barriers, discrimination, and economic exclusion.
The initiative aims to strengthen participants’ economic competitiveness and legal awareness through practical skills-building, including CV writing, interview preparation, and knowledge of labour rights, while fostering safer, more inclusive community and workplace environments.
Women’s Rights House (WRH): “Decent Work for All” Initiative
The Women’s Rights House, founded in Gyumri in 2017, works to advance women’s rights, equality, protection from violence and exploitation, and women’s economic and civic empowerment.
Through the project “Decent Work for All,” the organization addresses systemic discrimination faced by women in the labour market, including unequal pay, workplace harassment, informal employment, and barriers related to motherhood.
The initiative focuses on increasing women’s awareness of labour rights, strengthening access to legal protection and support, and promoting evidence-based advocacy to improve workplace conditions and gender equality, particularly for vulnerable groups such as single mothers, displaced women, rural women, and young workers.
Path to Equality: “School of Equality”
“Path to Equality” is an NGO focused on protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls, by promoting inclusion, equal opportunities, and social participation in Armenia.
Through the “School of Equality” project, the organization works to strengthen the rights awareness, economic participation, and life skills of women and girls with disabilities in Yerevan and several regions of Armenia.
The initiative addresses the multiple forms of discrimination and exclusion faced by women with disabilities through capacity-building, awareness-raising, and community dialogue, while also promoting cooperation between civil society, communities, and state institutions to advance more inclusive policies and environments.
