Strength in Every Step: Women Human Rights Defenders from Armenia
The Netherlands Helsinki Committee (NHC) is proud to support and share the Strength in Every Step: Women Human Rights Defenders from Armenia campaign, launched as part of the EQUAL – EU 4 Women Empowerment in Armenia project. The EQUAL project is a collaboration between OxYGen Foundation, the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), Women’s Support Center, WINNET Goris Development Foundation, Winnet Sweden, and the Netherlands Helsinki Committee. The aim of the project is to help women in vulnerable and disadvantaged situations to claim their social, political, and economic rights.
Learn more about this project here.
Starting on 01 October – the National Day Against Domestic Violence in Armenia – and continuing over the course of two weeks, the campaign features six portraits, quotes, and stories of women human rights defenders (HRDs) working across Armenia to combat domestic and gender-based violence. Each post showcases the experiences of advocates, highlighting not only the challenges of their work but also their resilience, motivation, and, most importantly, specific steps for change. The campaign aims to bring international solidarity and public attention to the work and calls to action of the advocates who have dedicated their lives to building pathways to equality and justice.
While progress has been made in addressing domestic and gender-based violence in Armenia, a range of challenges and blind spots remain. The goal of this campaign is to bring attention to some of these overlooked issues through the words and perspectives of local human rights defenders, as well as to emphasise the need for continued shared efforts.
As Anahit, one of the HRDs featured in the campaign, points out:
My motivation is to empower all women to live active, fulfilling lives. Many don’t even realise what gender-based violence really is. But once they do, they know things can change.
Anahit highlights the lack of awareness around the different forms gender-based violence can take, noting that many women do not realise that psychological or economic manipulation also falls under this category. Hasmik S., another HRD featured, reflects on the fact that many women who are aware they are experiencing violence often do not know where to turn. She emphasises that these services need to be expanded and made accessible to all women.
Together, HRDs provided a holistic picture of the daily realities of the fight against gender-based violence in Armenia, while also pointing out the areas that still need work to reach long-term empowerment. The topics addressed included the need to spread awareness about all existing forms of gender-based violence, as well as ensuring access to social services, legal protection, and pathways to rebuild survivors’ lives.
At the Netherlands Helsinki Committee, we believe that meaningful progress starts with hearing directly from communities who experience and address these challenges firsthand. This campaign aimed to highlight advocates’ efforts and offer them a platform for greater awareness, visibility, and support. We encourage all those committed to human rights to explore these stories, consider the challenges they raise, and stand in solidarity with the defenders working to end gender-based violence in Armenia and beyond, in pursuit of a safer and more equal future.
Find out more about the inspiring stories on our social media channels and share the campaign.
“EQUAL – EU 4 Women Empowerment in Armenia” project is implemented by OxYGen Foundation, European Partnership for Democracy NGO, Netherlands Helsinki Committee NGO, Women’s Support Center NGO, WINNET Goris Development Foundation in cooperation with Winnet Sweden NGO. The project is funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the implementing partners and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
Meet the Human Right Defenders
1. Anahit Abgaryan
“My motivation is to empower all women to live active, fulfilling lives. Many don’t even realize what gender-based violence really is. But once they do, they know things can change.”
Gender-based violence is often misunderstood, with many thinking it only refers to physical harm. In reality, gender-based violence can take many forms such as psychological, economic, and emotional abuse. Because of this limited awareness, countless women may not recognize that what they experience is violence. When women recognize their experiences as violence, they can begin to access the services and protection they deserve.
2. Tatevik Grigoryan
“We want our women and girls to live in a much safer environment than we did.”
Deeply rooted patriarchal perceptions continue to shape daily life for many women and girls in Armenia. These views often restrict opportunities, reinforce harmful stereotypes, and normalize unequal treatment. Challenging these worldviews is essential to create a society where women can live with dignity and fully develop their talents. By questioning traditions that hold women back, we move closer to a safer and more equal future for the next generation.
3. Hasmik Sargsyan
“Many don’t even realize the violence they suffer is abuse. Knowing we can be that channel of support motivates me every day.”
Even when women are aware of the violence they face, many do not know where to turn for help. Limited access to shelters, counselling, and other services leaves survivors isolated and vulnerable. Expanding and promoting accessible support systems is vital so that no woman feels alone in her struggle.
4. Hasmik Gevorgyan
“When a woman seeks protection, she is not an offender. The decision on the case of Hasmik Khachatryan at the European Court of Human Rights was a step forward for all survivors.”
Justice is an important pathway for both legal protection and societal change. The landmark Hasmik Khachatryan v. Armenia judgment exposed serious gaps in how domestic violence cases are addressed in the Armenian legal system, from protection to accountability. The case helped break the silence and sparked public calls for legal reform on domestic and gender-based violence. Nonetheless, navigating the justice system remains daunting for many survivors, making it difficult for women to claim their rights. Simplifying access to victim-centered legal protection is essential for a society where women feel safe to stand up for their rights.
5. Hayarpi Aydinyan
“Years ago, a woman I worked with needed urgent support. Today, she runs her own beauty salon. Stories like hers remind us why we keep moving forward.”
For many survivors of gender-based violence, safety is only the first step. Without sustainable and long term support, women may struggle to rebuild their lives. Access to skills, resources, and opportunities can help them move beyond survival toward independence and self-reliance. Stories of women who start businesses, return to education, or regain their confidence remind us of the importance of structural change that transforms lives in lasting ways.
6. Kristina Buniatyan
“For me, success is when women learn their rights and reclaim their choices. One woman I supported lived 42 years waiting to make decisions for herself. Not anymore.”
True empowerment means that women not only escape violence but also regain the ability to make choices for themselves. For some, this comes after decades of living without control over their own lives. Through the important work of human rights defenders, women are supported to learn their rights, build confidence, and reclaim their agency. This changes the futures of individuals and communities alike.
