“The fear that I cannot make it, cannot have a bakery, or run a business, disappeared and I decided to find a space for my bakery. After long searches, we finally found and rented the space.”

In 2020, Vergine lost her husband in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. She was one of many grieving Armenian women who had to find a way to provide for their families. Vergine hoped to make money by turning her baking hobby into a business, but she didn’t know how.

Arpi NGO, a local organization in Vanadzor, Armenia, supported by Near East Foundation, was able to help. The organization offers services and assistance to families of war casualties, disabled and lost soldiers, and displaced people. They also assist women like Vergine with employment and business training.

Vergine trained at one of the best restaurants in town and is now opening her own bakery.

She feels good about herself and is hopeful for her future – and she encourages other women in similar situations to seek support to pursue their dreams.

“I plan to expand the workshop and employ the wives of our heroes who cannot find the strength to create their own business. Being one of them, I clearly understand how difficult it is to find work while having children and family duties.”