The story of Hasmik Khachatryan is well known in Armenia. After getting married when she was 19, for nine years she subject to domestic violence. However, she managed to get out, get back on her feet, and even start her own small baking business.
Acknowledging her unbelievable resilience, UNFPA awarded her with a special prize at the 6th Best Woman Entrepreneur Awards held under the high auspices of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia. UNFPA Armenia will support Hasmik in getting training further to improve her baking skills.
In her speech, Tsovinar Harutyunyan, UNFPA Armenia Program Analyst, once more drew attention of the public to the problem of domestic violence in Armenia and called for support to women like Hasmik.
“We are amazed by the strength of her will that allowed her to get back on her feet. I do believe that some time Hasmik will be among the winners of this contest”, Ms. Harutyunyan said.
The awards ceremony attended by Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan was organized by the Ministry of Economic Development and Investment with support of the National Center for SME Development Foundation.
This year, there were the following nominations: Best Female Employer, Best Innovative Woman, Best Woman Entrepreneur Brand, Best Young Businesswoman, Best Female Start-Up and Best Woman Exporter.
“You are our hope”, said the Prime Minister addressing women entrepreneurs.
Special prizes were also awarded by USAID, GIZ, UNIDO, UNHCR and other partners.
