Zoya's New Beginning

When the war erupted in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) in 2023, Zoya and her family were forced to flee, leaving behind not just their home, but their livelihood, their land, and their dreams, all buried in their homeland. The trauma of displacement was profound, but they were not alone.

Upon arriving in Armenia, Zoya found herself surrounded by support from friends, humanitarian foundations, and people who believed in giving second chances. It was this collective care that gave Zoya and her husband the strength to begin rebuilding their lives.

They rented a house in the Kotayk region, not far from Yerevan. After their daughter's birth, Zoya and her husband decided to pursue an activity that could generate a small but steady income. Their thoughts turned to healthy food production, and since their land wasn't large enough for traditional farming, they opted for rabbit breeding. This choice was based on two main factors: rabbit farming is easier and more sustainable than beef or pork production, requiring less water and feed, while rabbit meat offers excellent nutritional value as a lean protein source, perfect for health-conscious families.

This idea became her mission.

With support from the Armenian Fund for Sustainable Development (AF4SD), Zoya began turning her dream into reality. The AF4SD team visited her home, conducted an initial assessment, and her project was among those approved by the judging commission. Zoya purchased her first rabbits and started raising them with dedication, carefully monitoring their health and growth. Her neighbors and community welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm.

For Zoya, this was more than just a business venture. "I'm happy that I can help parents like me who are looking for healthy food options," Zoya says. "Especially those who want only the best for their children."

As her enterprise grows, Zoya dreams of expanding her operation, collaborating with local stores, increasing production, and serving even more families throughout the region.

Her success has inspired and motivated the entire family to move forward. Her mother began baking traditional bread, her father started raising chickens, and her husband found work in the security sector, continuing to support the family with the same quiet strength he had always shown.

The example of this family demonstrates that they refused to surrender to hardship. Instead, they took action, overcame their challenges, and built plans for the future.

Arev Society provides management support to the AF4SD "Vulnerable Women Empowerment" program.