OUR MISSION
The Arev Society fosters and encourages philanthropy and solidarity of American people in support of vulnerable Armenians worldwide by supporting and financing initiatives for
- promotion of social and public welfare,
- fighting social, economic, and digital inequalities,
- empowerment of vulnerable women, children, elderly, and other vulnerable layers of society,
- alleviation of poverty by reinforcing capacities and creating income-generating activities.
We strive to reduce vulnerable people's dependence on social assistance and help them avoid social exclusion. Self-sufficiency is not just a matter of finance; it also means access to quality education, better healthcare, and a decent standard of living.
Overall, the Arev Society's initiatives aim to create a more equitable and inclusive society by supporting vulnerable people's social, economic, and digital empowerment.
Women Empowerment
The Arev Society and the Armenian Fund for Sustainable Development (AF4SD) have worked with vulnerable women since 2020 in Armenia when a terrible war shattered families and destinies. Thousands of women became widows or found themselves with disabled husbands who were not in a physical capacity to work anymore. In 2023, with the support of the Fisher family, we launched a women's empowerment project and helped several women from war victim families to become self-sufficient.
A new collaboration for 2024 - 2026 with the Armenian Fund for Sustainable Development (AF4SD) on an impactful new project supporting refugee women from Artsakh has been launched.
WHY FOCUS ON WOMEN?
In an era where progress and equality are often touted as hallmarks of modern society, we find ourselves confronting a stark reality: the persistent economic marginalization of women. While working with war victims and refugee families, we are compelled to confront uncomfortable truths about women affected by war and forced displacement, whose struggles are magnified by the loss of support systems and access to essential resources.
Underrepresentation of Women
For decades, women have been significantly underrepresented and undervalued across nearly all areas of economic activity. This pervasive issue has deep roots in societal norms, cultural expectations, and systemic barriers that have long hindered women's full participation in the workforce and economic decision-making processes. Despite progress in recent years, the gender gap in economic participation and opportunity remains a global challenge, with women often facing limited access to employment and leadership positions.
War Victims and Refugee Women
The economic fragility of women becomes even more pronounced and complex when considering those affected by war or forced displacement. Refugee women and those from war-torn regions face a unique set of challenges that compound their economic vulnerability. Displacement often severs connections to family, community, and professional networks, leaving women without crucial support. Women may struggle to access basic necessities, education, and employment opportunities.
Digital and Financial Illiteracy
For women who have lost their husbands or whose spouses have become disabled due to war, the path to economic stability is fraught with obstacles. Among the most significant barriers are the lack of digital and financial literacy. In an increasingly digitized world, these skills are not just advantageous but essential for economic participation and empowerment. Digital literacy enables access to information, online job markets, and remote work opportunities. On the other hand, financial literacy is crucial for managing limited resources, understanding financial products, and making informed economic decisions. For war-affected women, these skills can mean the difference between economic survival and poverty.
Lack of finances and skills
Limited financial resources and skills hinder women's economic progress. State and private empowerment programs are often out of reach due to co-funding requirements. High-interest loans from banks and credit institutions risk worsening their financial situation. Many women need vocational and professional training for self-sufficiency but face barriers like high costs and lack of awareness. Quality training programs often have fees these women cannot afford. Information about available programs may not reach them, especially if they are digitally isolated. This combination of financial constraints and limited access to skill development opportunities creates a significant obstacle to economic empowerment for these women.
HOW WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Since launching the women empowerment program in 2020, we have studied over a hundred cases of women's economic empowerment so far. To gather real-world data, we visited and met each beneficiary in person. Our experience demonstrates that a comprehensive approach combining in-kind contributions for business creation, targeted vocational training, and continuous business management coaching is an effective strategy for enhancing employment opportunities and increasing income among women from war victim or refugee families.
In-Kind Contribution Support
We have always avoided cash inputs to support our beneficiaries, eliminating, thus, any risk of support misuse. One of the cornerstones of our approach is providing in- kind contributions that support business creation. These contributions can take various forms, including equipment, supplies, livestock, and resources necessary for starting and running an income-generating activity. This support is crucial for these vulnerable women who lack access to capital or credit, allowing them to focus on building sustainable businesses that can provide for their families.
Targeted Vocational Training
In conjunction with in-kind contributions, we emphasize the importance of targeted vocational training. The proposed training is tailored to meet the local market's specific needs while harnessing each beneficiary's unique strengths and potential. By equipping women with relevant skills, we enhance their employability and enable them to manage their income-generating activities better. The training programs are designed to be practical and hands-on, ensuring that participants can apply what they learn directly to their business ventures or job opportunities.
Continuous Mentoring
To ensure long-term success, we provide continuous business management coaching. This ongoing support helps women navigate the business's challenges, from financial management to marketing strategies. We work closely with our beneficiaries, offering personalized guidance and resources to help them overcome obstacles and seize opportunities. Our presence ensures the sustainability of income-generating activities and guarantees a stable monthly income for beneficiaries, enabling them to become self-sufficient and no longer need assistance.
Gratitude to Our Donors
We are deeply grateful to our donors for their generous support in implementing our life-changing initiatives. Their contributions make it possible for us to provide the necessary resources, training, and coaching to empower women from war victim or refugee families. Without their commitment and belief in our mission, we would not be able to create impactful programs and expand our initiatives. YOUR SUPPORT improves the lives of the communities WE SERVE.