UNFPA Armenia office is actively partnering with local authorities, civil society, and communities in the Tavush region of Armenia to ensure that its programmes are tailored to meet the specific needs of the residents.

For that purpose, during a visit to Berd on 26 June 2023, UNFPA Armenia, along with its partners, held meetings with Berd city authorities, civil society members, and young women and girls. The visit participants included Tsovinar Harutyunyan, Head of UNFPA Armenia CO, Eduard Israyelyan, Project Manager of "Future Today" at UNFPA Armenia, Mari Hovespyan, Brand Manager at The Body Shop Armenia and representatives of WINNET Berd, a social foundation and member of the WINNET Armenia Network established under the "Future Today" Project.

Berd Mayor Ms. Astghik Hakobyan and Deputy Mayor Mr. Mher Papyan warmly welcomed the visit, emphasizing the significance of collaboration and shared goals in fostering community development.

Tsovinar Harutyunyan, UNFPA Armenia Head of Office, provided an overview of the programmes implemented in Armenia under the UNFPA mandate and shared the priorities. 

"Collaborating with local communities closely is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness and relevance of our initiatives. By customizing programs to the unique needs of each region, our goal is to contribute to the overall well-being and empowerment of the people," Tsovinar Harutyunyan said.

During the meeting, Mari Hovespyan presented the core values of their company and expressed their dedication to advancing local women's empowerment. "At The Body Shop Armenia, we are deeply committed to supporting and actively engaging in initiatives that encourage and empower women in our country."

The Mayor of Berd highlighted the pressing issue of employment among women in the region and the significance of providing women with essential soft skills. "I am certain that capacity development programmes are important for empowering women and girls. Skill-building initiatives can truly be life-changing for them," emphasized Astghik Hakobyan.

At WINNET Berd, visit participants engaged in an open dialogue with community members, including young women and girls, the director of the Berd Culture Center, representatives of the Bridge of Hope organization and Berd State Multifunctional College. This aimed to foster an exchange of ideas and gather insights into the specific challenges and needs of the community.

After the meeting, UNFPA, The Body Shop and WINNET Berd representatives gave certificates to the participants who successfully completed the two-month graphic design course, a joint initiative by the organizations implemented in February-March 2023.

In June 2023, UNFPA Armenia country office initiated the second phase of the graphic design course within the "Addressing Gender- Biased Sex Selection and Related Harmful Practices in the South Caucasus: Support to Regional, National and South-South Interventions" project, funded by the European Union.