Aida Atabekyan

Artisan Organization: Aida Atabekyan

Country: Armenia

"Hello, I am Aida Atabekyan, and my journey began as a mother of two children, working in various roles in the banking system and educational structures. I realized that being a mother and caretaker was the most challenging and responsible job in the world. However, our society often fails to appreciate the importance of this role. Many young mothers are undervalued, leading to reluctance to seek employment. This has contributed to a high unemployment rate among women aged 20-30 in Armenia, reaching around 72%.

"To address these challenges and empower women, I established the Armenekoop social enterprise. Our initiative provides education and employment opportunities to women aged 20-30, especially those from socially disadvantaged families in the Dilijan community and surrounding areas. Each year, we enroll 20 women, offering training courses, work opportunities, and free childcare during their time with us. Through our educational block, we provide courses in English, computer skills, entrepreneurship, and motivational meetings, helping women gain confidence and essential knowledge to pursue various job opportunities.

"In addition to our educational section, we also run a production department where women interested in needlework can develop their skills and find employment. Over the years, we have employed 90 women, offering them an environment where they can balance work and childcare. Our products feature designs by Armenian artists, capturing the culture, architecture, and historical heritage of our community. Love is the foundation of our work - love for our employees, customers, and community. We aim to create positive change by reducing unemployment and addressing environmental issues through our activities.

"Our commitment to the well-being of our employees extends to providing a flexible work schedule, especially for those with children. We take pride in producing environmentally friendly and practical products. Through sales, marketing, and organizational efforts, we ensure the success of our venture. As part of our dedication to the community, I personally organize free sewing courses and engage additional specialists to contribute to the growth and development of our social enterprise.""