EmpowerHer

Promoting gender equality in Armenia

Stepping out of one’s comfort zone can be daunting for anyone looking to improve their prospects in life with little to no resources. Now just imagine what it takes for the women of Armenia—who represent over half its population— to break free of the traditional molds and ancestral mores that often leave them trapped in a state of economic struggle and stagnation.

This reality gave form to the AGBU EmpowerHer initiative: a comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy designed to help Armenia’s women step into their full potential, become financially self-sufficient, and contribute to the health and wealth of their nation.

The AGBU EmpowerHer Effect

EmpowerHer helps women from all regions of Armenia gain a leg up in their lives with professional development courses, mentorship connections and access to a growing number of like-minded women supporting women. The suite of programs kicked off with our signature AGBU Women Entrepreneurs in 2017 followed shortly by AGBU Women Coders and Women Changemakers. These initiatives complement an already robust network of Hye Geen Centers across the region which aim to support expecting and new mothers and their families through a critical transition period.

IMPACT:

All EmpowerHer participants report a sense of greater self esteem and confidence upon completion of their program.

Transforming Mindsets and Skillsets

AGBU EmpowerHer combines both educational and psycho-social components that work to change perceptions and teach skills essential to gaining financial and social independence. Recognizing that transformational social change demands consensus from diverse segments of society, AGBU has developed strategic partnerships and collaborations with in-country stakeholders, thought leaders and influencers, in both the public and private sectors.

AGBU EmpowerHer Services Include:

Specialized University-Level Coursework
Leadership Skill Building
Workplace Fundamentals Training
Mini-Grants Opportunities
Business Mentorships
English Language Coaching
Job Interview Practice
Post-Program Follow Up and Counseling
Networking with Global Access to Industry Experts

REACH:

With more than 800 participants to date and 50% of our women coming from outside of Yerevan, the EmpowerHer network is making its mark across the region.

Growth:

EmpowerHer participants gain exposure and opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to them. Check out the latest happenings from our programs below.

WE Secures ASIIN Accreditation

AGBU WE receives ASIIN international certification, becoming the first non-formal education program in Armenia to achieve such recognition. It confirms our program meets European adult learning standards, with certificates now internationally recognized.

Smart Skills, Stronger Businesses

A two-day conference, titled Artificial Intelligence and Soft Skills for MSMEs was held through a joint initiative of AGBU WE and DSIK Armenia to empower 200 businesses with practical tools for applying AI and soft skills.

Digital Literacy for Armenian Teachers

In partnership with the Ministry of Education, we trained 120 teachers from across the country, strengthening their digital literacy and classroom-ready tech skills. Our impact multiplies as each trained teacher shares new knowledge with dozens of students.

Access to Experts

Women Coders have opportunity to showcase their work to professionals from leading tech companies. These interactions provide valuable exposure to real-world industry expectations and allow participants to receive insightful feedback from experts.

WE Women Participate in a big Christmas Market in Yerevan - 2021

Christmas Market Expo

Each year in December, AGBU's women entrepreneurs participate in the largest Christmas Market Expo, offering important visibility for their diverse businesses. In 2025, 27 beneficiaries from Armenia and Artsakh showcased their products at the Expo.

Connect with Us to EmpowerHer

Thousands of applicants each year means high demand for AGBU's offerings. Their promise to improve their lives relies on our power to deliver broad reaching programming. Together with your help, we can take AGBU EmpowerHer programming to the next stage.

To learn more about the areas in which you can direct your meaningful gift and the many ways of supporting AGBU, please contact our Director of Development and Outreach:

Karen Papazian
Kpapazian@agbu.org
212-319-3683

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