As a result of the forced displacement of the Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) 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 Tatev-based “Eco-Youth” NGO. Mari Tevosyan, the founder and president of the NGO, with pain in her voice, remembers the days before the forced displacement, noting that she did not expect such a conclusion. “Starting from the middle of September, when Stepanakert and the surrounding regions were already being bombed, it was expected, but we did not imagine that there would be a forced displacement of the population. I had no idea that Artsakh would be emptied massively,” she says.
According to Mari, since everything started very quickly, the necessary organizational work to support the forcibly displaced people was not done properly. “We heard that checkpoints were set up. We heard, but we did not imagine the scale of it all. When the first group entered the building of the Tatev municipality, that’s when we realized what we were dealing with and what was still waiting for us,” says Mari.
Mari Tevosyan also works in the Tatev municipality as the chief of staff and has been involved in political and community issues along with public activities. “The first group entered Tatev on September 24. During that time, we worked 24/7 without dayoffs. And in this regard, I would like to point out that mostly women were dedicated and worked without rest, aside from the fact that they also do unpaid work at home and have a heavy workload,” she emphasizes.
As Mari notes, it was difficult to help and support people when you yourself needed support and encouraging words. “There were moments when I tried to work, overcoming my tears, because people came literally naked, hungry, and tormented, and you have to be made of stone not to get emotional. But in those moments, you get yourself together and think that you don’t have time to despair, be sad, or cry, and you should first of all give strength to the displaced people, provide them first aid,” Mari says in a low tone of voice.
“Eco-Youth” NGO, with the support of the Women’s Fund Armenia, initially planned to implement a program that was supposed to promote women’s involvement in public and political life in 6 communities in Syunik region, but the disaster that happened forced the direction of the NGO to change, and humanitarian first aid was provided to forcibly displaced women instead. “We were doing another project with the support of the WFA, but in this crisis situation, we decided to direct the money to the provision of basic necessities for the women of Artsakh, including hygiene items. We have provided a complete package, prioritizing essentials for women’s sexual and reproductive health. When we did a needs assessment, women were embarrassed to say they needed feminine pads. I was trying to guide by stating their priority needs for them,” she says.
Mari Tevosyan notes that in such situations, it is crucial to be as sensitive as possible, not just to distribute some help but to show a deep and sensitive approach and understand what is considered the first necessity for displaced people at that moment.
The displaced women themselves gave an assessment of the activities of the NGO, stating that they would like all organizations to work with that method and also show such sensitive approaches as Mari Tevosyan.
According to Mari, in those days, among other people, she was helped and strengthened by the support and care shown by the staff of the Women’s Fund Armenia. “It is heartwarming when there are people who help you in every possible way, provide psychological support, even if only by writing or calling and asking how we feel,” she says, adding that the WFA was one of the few organizations to which Mari turned without hesitation, confident that she would receive appropriate support.
In addition to providing aid through the Fund, “Eco-Youth” NGO was also involved in various volunteer activities, distributing clothes and food to displaced families.
Against the background of displacement and crisis situations, an increase in domestic violence is already observed. WFA’s partner organizations operating in other marzes (regions) also document this. According to Mari, there is almost no information about such cases in Tatev and other neighboring communities. “There was a family in the community where there was supposed to be domestic violence, but they moved to another place very soon. There are now many displaced women with disabilities in our communities who have special needs. Most (if not all) displaced people have post-traumatic stress disorder,” says the NGO president.
Mari, speaking about the difficulties encountered during the project, notes that people in their community have stereotyped ideas about the activities of public organizations. “Another fact is added to those stereotyped ideas that the head of the NGO is a young, ambitious woman. During that time, I often heard people disdainfully say, “What’s her benefit of distributing aid?” Active rural women face more gender discrimination and difficulties, and we need even more effort and strength to fight and overcome all that,” she emphasizes.
According to Mari, the staff of their organization is now in professional burnout, and the employees need psychological support and rest.
Speaking about her vision for changes, Mari emphasizes several important points. According to her, the forcibly displaced rural women first of all need economic, material support so that they are not subjected to economic violence, become independent, and can manage their own lives. “Rural communities need such initiatives that will primarily contribute to the economic empowerment of women. Economically empowered women are very good candidates to get involved in politics, because having an income also gives self-confidence,” emphasizes Mari, hoping that it will be possible to achieve all that with a lot of work and persistence.
Interview by Yelena Sargsyan
Photos by “Eco-Youth” NGO
