Rebuild and restore: supporting forcibly displaced women and girls from Nagorno-Karabakh

In late fall 2023, WRH started implementing the "Targeted prevention and mitigation services for forcibly displaced women and girls from Nagorno-Karabakh" project, following the Azerbaijan military offensive in the region. The initiative focused on providing basic services to displaced women and girls and helping them find a little bit of stability in very traumatic circumstances. Around 300 individuals got counseling for mental health, for integration into the job market and on legal matters. Social workers provided counseling to the beneficiaries and helped with creating resumes and job applications, as well as making referrals, when needed. The psychological counseling in turn focused on individual sessions as well as well as art therapy, “The art therapy session is very important for me. I never thought I could find understanding and support for the pain I carry. Thank you for helping me through this”, shared one of the participants. While the legal consultations offered insight into labor rights, legislation and protection mechanisms - "Now, I feel empowered and I can protect my labor rights", said another participant.

Supporting forcibly displaced women and girls from Nagorno-Karabakh

Photo credit: WRH

Beyond the numbers, a shift in mindset among the displaced women and girls could be noticed, they have gained more confidence through the support they have received. The WRH team shared: “Implementing this project has been an inspiring journey, allowing us to see firsthand the strength and determination of the displaced individuals we worked with. Providing crucial support to those in need (…) has reinforced the vital role our efforts play in their recovery. Each small step forward, from newfound employment to a renewed sense of hope, has made this experience deeply meaningful for us.”