Within the framework of the ACBA Federation/Impact Hub Yerevan Scholarship Program, the Berd Women's Resource Center Foundation, with funding from the ACBA Federation, has received the opportunity to become a member of the unique ecosystem of Impact Hub for one year, as well as receive consultations from mentors from various fields, including ACBA Federation specialists, according to the needs of the startup's development. The Berd Women's Resource Center Foundation supports the development of Berd and surrounding communities through various programs.
Goals and programs of the Berd Women's Resource Center Foundation
The Berd Women's Resource Center Foundation was established in 2011 to support the development of women in the communities of the former Shamshadin border region.
Goals:
- To support the development of Berd and surrounding communities (Tavush region of the Republic of Armenia) and find solutions to protect, promote and defend women's rights in the region
- To raise women's awareness on information, educational, cultural, health and business issues
- To support women's civic participation and decision-making processes in politics
- To create a network of women's NGOs
- To create a network of NGOs in the Berd region
- To prevent trafficking and migration processes
- To support freedom of speech, democracy and the rule of law.
Products
Berd Bear - 100% handmade teddy bears, finger puppets, pens and other handmade toys made by artisan women of the Shamshadin region.
Berd Berry - Wild blueberry, barberry/barberry, black hawthorn, currant made by women of the border community of Berd city and its 4 neighboring villages and forget jams are jams.
The first challenge for the Berd Berry group was to acquire a building, as BWRC did not have the space to implement the idea. The building was acquired by BWRC, although it does not yet have the minimum conditions for starting eco-production. This three-story building will include an Armenian herbal tea shop, a meeting and knowledge exchange hall, as well as a hotel to promote ecotourism. With the help of the UNDP GEF Small Grants Program, the Berd Berry team will locate handicraft and jam workshops, a guest house and an experience exchange center in the building. Fundraising has begun for the renovation of the building with the help of Berd Berry partners.
