
Armenia's innovative tech sector has long been a driver of the national economy. In 2020, it was experiencing double-digit growth rates and accounting for 20,000 members of the nation’s workforce. In the meantime, Armenia’s women represent only 30 percent of those jobs, clearly demonstrating that there was much work to do to even the playing field for Armenia’s women.
With no time to lose, AGBU EmpowerHer initiative launched the Women Coders training program in 2020, despite the ill-timing of a raging pandemic and a devastating war. Yet the response was resoundingly positive. Women from all corners of Armenia raised their hands, eager to join a growth industry that offers career and income mobility and a chance to compete globally.
The Women Coders core program offers a mix of technology courses, mentorships, workshops, and networking opportunities. But to ensure that the training content remains relevant and applicable to the times, AGBU regularly confers with tech industry leaders and employers to ascertain what skill gaps need filling and where the future trends are moving. By the end of each cycle, participants are more marketable and confident about finding meaningful work and financial independence. Equally beneficial, they have bonded with a network of highly motivated women who create a nurturing space for each participant to pursue her vision of success.
Encourage the promise of Armenia's women in tech. If you are interested in volunteering as industry expert or business mentor or would like to coach conversational English, please email volunteer@agbu.org. To support this donor-driven program and other facets of AGBU EmpowerHer, please give today.
70% of past participants confirm higher earnings within months of completing enrollment in AGBU Coders.
The team behind AGBU Women Coders takes time to research the gaps of Armenia's growing IT sector. Speaking with companies and understanding both the technical and soft skills needed, each cycle offers courses ranging from React JS, Node JS, Angular JS, DevOps, PHP, Python, IT Project Management, Product Management, Quality Assurance (QA), HR in Tech and UI/UX Design. Participants are placed in tracks based on their backgrounds and are awarded applicable certifications of completion.
An array of other valuable services under the AGBU EmpowerHer umbrella include topical workshops on cyber-security, cloud computing, and design, access to industry mentors and English language coaches from the Diaspora and job placements, resume writing, and career counseling.
60% of our latest cohort of participants come from outside of Yerevan in Armenia's regional communities.