As a result of the forced displacement of the Artsakh population by Azerbaijan, a humanitarian crisis has emerged in Armenia. Tens of thousands of people who have resettled in Armenia are now deprived of their right to a home, work, and a decent life. In such crisis situations, elderly people, women, and children become especially vulnerable.
From the onset of forced displacement, the Women’s Fund Armenia mobilized its resources to aid the forcibly displaced. The Fund, in collaboration with partner organizations addressing women’s issues in Armenia, provided humanitarian support to meet the basic needs of displaced people.
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In the Syunik region, the Women’s Fund Armenia collaborated with several organizations, including the Goris-based “Sose” Women’s Issues NGO. Liana Sahakyan, the NGO President, states that their organization has been involved in various activities since the first day of the forced displacement of people from Artsakh.
“The first checkpoint was in Goris, where the first aid for forcibly displaced people was provided. From the outset, our organization arranged an outdoor food feast on the street where people were registered. The queue of cars stretching to Goris was quite long, and people had the most basic needs: using the toilet, washing themselves, eating, etc. We also prepared a space for people to rest and receive first medical and psychological care. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and menstruating women were among those in need. This once again highlighted that women are more sensitive and vulnerable in such situations. The first six days were quite challenging; during that time, we provided nearly 2,000 Artsakh citizens with food and hygiene items, including feminine pads,” says the NGO president.
In the initial days, the NGO received support from the Women’s Support Center (WSC), enabling them to address the primary needs of forcibly displaced people. “WSC also sent hygiene items that we distributed to people,” she notes.
“Subsequently, the Women’s Fund Armenia reached out to us. It was crucial because, once the basic needs were met, we started addressing people’s secondary needs by providing warm clothes, bedding, and hygiene items for women. The Fund’s approach was also valuable. I can say it is the only organization that takes an interest in the staff of the NGO. When the fund calls, they immediately ask, ‘What does the team need? What are your needs?’ This also motivates us to consider our well-being and extend the same care to our beneficiaries,” says Liana with a smile.
After providing initial aid to forcibly displaced people, the “Sose” Women’s Issues NGO began organizing psychological therapies for women. “Therapies create a positive environment. Initially, it is difficult for displaced women to attend because they have numerous problems that often take precedence. However, after participating in the therapies, people’s interest increases. They start calling us, visiting our office, and talking about their problems and needs. Currently, our primary goal is to help people achieve a stable psychological condition.”
Liana also emphasizes the need to ensure economic stability for people forcibly displaced from Artsakh. “It is crucial to create economic opportunities for people so that they can begin taking care of their livelihoods. At this stage, both humanitarian aid provision and economic empowerment programs should run simultaneously. Families should be assured that their children won’t go hungry, allowing them to plan for the future,” says the NGO’s head.
Due to crises and wartime situations, gender-based and domestic violence tend to increase. As Liana Sahakyan notes, they have already recorded three cases of domestic violence in their region. “One case of violence occurred in Kapan, and two in Goris. Our psychologist discovered one case during work, while others were referred to us by third parties. I believe that if the people of Artsakh are more aware of our NGO providing legal assistance, we will receive more cals,” says Liana.
Organizations working with forcibly displaced people from Artsakh have been operating non-stop since the initial days of deportation. When asked how the team at “Sose” NGO is feeling, the president of the NGO, turning to the staff, asks with a smile: “So, how are you doing?” Perhaps, this is one of those questions to which you already know the answers.
Liana notes that their organization’s schedule is so busy now that they don’t even have time to think about their well-being. “We work non-stop and don’t have time to pause and understand how we feel and what we need. Besides providing assistance to forcibly displaced persons, our organization has other programs, and we are doubly burdened. Of course, we need to take a break and take steps for our well-being to restore our previous energy. At the moment, however, we are occupied with various tasks and cannot focus too much on ourselves. During the day, we manage to take breaks, make time for each other, and sometimes realize that we are exhausted. We sit, talk, try to recharge, and then continue our work. However, at the moment, we don’t have much time to think about it either. We hope that we will manage a bit by the New Year holidays to unwind and relax,” notes Liana, continuing to share their organization’s visions and plans for the coming year.
Interview by Yelena Sargsyan
Photos from the Sose’s Women Facebook page
