OUR MISSION
Arev Society fosters and encourages philanthropy and solidarity of the 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, the elderly, and other vulnerable layers of society,
- alleviation of poverty by reinforcing capacities and creating income-generating activities.
Arev Society's initiatives aim to create a more equitable and inclusive society by supporting the social, economic, and digital empowerment of vulnerable individuals.
Women Empowerment
Since 2020, Arev Society and the Armenian Fund for Sustainable Development (AF4SD) have been dedicated to empowering vulnerable women in Armenia, responding to the devastating aftermath of war that shattered countless families. Thousands of women became widows, while others found themselves caring for disabled husbands unable to work.
Building on this foundation, we launched the "Vulnerable Women's Empowerment" program with generous support from our donors, successfully helping numerous women from war-affected families achieve economic independence.
Our impact continues to expand through a new collaboration with AF4SD, focusing specifically on Refugee Women from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). This initiative provides comprehensive support through:
- Economic Empowerment via income-generating activity development
- Professional Development through Vocational Training
- Digital Literacy & AI skills training to enhance employment opportunities
- English for the Workplace: communication and job readiness
- Career Empowerment for better competitiveness
Together, we're not just providing aid, we help our beneficiaries build sustainable futures, transforming lives and strengthening communities one woman at a time.
WHY FOCUS ON WOMEN?
Women from war-affected families and refugee women face a devastating reality: economic survival in the aftermath of conflict and displacement. Having lost homes, support networks, and often their primary breadwinners, these resilient women must rebuild their lives from nothing while caring for their families.
Basic Digital Skills
Digital and Financial Literacy
For war-affected women, 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 can mean the difference between economic prosperity and poverty. This need is particularly urgent given that only 35% of women in Armenia possess basic digital skills compared to 55% of men, according to the UN report.
Poverty Rate
Lack of Finances and Skills
Limited financial resources and skills hinder women's economic empowerment and progress. State and private empowerment programs are often out of reach due to co-funding requirements. Bank and credit institutions' high-interest loans worsen financial predicament. At the end of 2023, the poverty rate in Armenia stood at 23.7%. However women are disproportionately affected, making up 56% of the poor according to the EBRD.
HOW WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Since launching our women's empowerment program in 2020, we have studied more than 160 cases of women's economic empowerment. To gather real-world data, we visited and met each beneficiary in person. Our experience shows that a comprehensive approach combining in-kind contributions for business creation, targeted vocational training, and ongoing business management coaching effectively enhances employment opportunities and increases income among women from war-victim or refugee families.
Business area of income-generating activities supported: Agriculture 52%, Production 29%, Services 14%, Commerce 5%. Vocational training fields: Services 54%, Agriculture 27%, Production 19%.
In-Kind Contribution Support
We have always avoided cash inputs to support our beneficiaries, eliminating any risk of misuse. One cornerstone of our approach is providing in-kind contributions that support business creation. These contributions can take various forms, including equipment, supplies, livestock, and resources needed to start and run 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. Discover the program
Targeted Vocational Training
Alongside in-kind contributions, we emphasize targeted vocational training. The proposed training is tailored to meet local market needs while harnessing each beneficiary's unique strengths and potential. By equipping women with relevant skills, we improve their employability and help them manage their income-generating activities more effectively. The training programs are practical and hands-on, ensuring participants can apply what they learn directly to their business ventures or job opportunities. Discover the program
AI Skills
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skills
Women are 25% less likely than men to use AI tools, and the gap is even wider for refugee women, women from war-affected families, unemployed women, and women in the informal economy. Our initiatives bring AI skills directly to the women who are most often left behind.
Through hands-on training in local languages and flexible formats, we help women use AI to find jobs, start or grow small businesses, and access essential information and services. Closing this gap isn't just about technology. It is about giving women the confidence, independence, and economic opportunities they need to rebuild their lives and lead their communities. Discover the program
Job Skills
Career Empowerment
War, displacement, years of caring for family: many women lose their careers for reasons beyond their control. Their skills did not disappear. Our Career Empowerment program helps women out of work, especially those displaced from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), rebuild their confidence and re-enter Armenia’s job market. At mid-term, 71% of participants had mastered job-search and application strategies.
Participants learn to recognize their strengths, prepare a strong CV, practice interviews, and plan their next professional step. After the training, they receive up to three months of career coaching and job placement support, alongside a network of women who understand their journey. Discover the program
