Advocacy Skills Development Training for Right Side Human Rights Defender NGO Representatives

In March 2025, the Right Side Human Rights Defender NGO, with the financial support of the Equality Fund, organized Advocacy Skills Development Training for 14 staff members and activists. The training aimed to deepen participants’ advocacy capacities to ensure more strategic, organized, and effective engagement in human rights work, particularly in relation to transgender individuals and other marginalized communities.

Held in a safe and inclusive environment, the training covered the following key topics:

• Evidence-based advocacy
• Policy analysis and development of advocacy strategies
• Using storytelling and communication tools to drive change
• Cooperation with government institutions, international organizations, and media
• Monitoring and evaluation of advocacy efforts.

Participants actively engaged in group work, analytical exercises, and simulations to apply the knowledge gained and develop practical skills. One of the major outcomes of the training was the joint development of an advocacy action plan, to be implemented throughout 2025. These actions aim to promote legal gender recognition without forced medical interventions, combat hate speech, and foster inclusivity in Armenian society.

By the end of the training, participants reported increased confidence, enhanced skills, and readiness to engage in policy-making and public advocacy. Many described the training not only as a professional development opportunity, but also as an inspiring and empowering experience that fostered unity within the community.

We sincerely thank the Equality Fund for making this important initiative possible and for supporting our efforts to raise the voice and visibility of Trans and LGBQI+ communities in Armenia. The skills and experiences gained through this training will serve as a strong foundation for future advocacy actions led by the organization.