Advocacy for Change: Combating Gender-Based Violence

The “Right Side” Human Rights Defender NGO, with the support of the Women’s Fund Armenia, implemented the project “Advocacy for Change: Responding to Gender-Based Violence,” aimed at strengthening the capacities of LGBTQI individuals, including trans people, women, and girls in addressing gender-based violence.

Within the framework of the project, an advocacy training was organized with the participation of 26 representatives of the LGBTQI community. During the training, participants not only learned about key advocacy tools, but also jointly analyzed the challenges faced by the community through SWOT analyses and mapping exercises. Discussions also addressed existing legal gaps, particularly issues related to legal gender recognition and their impact on the lives of community members.

The project continued with three community meetings, during which participants deepened their knowledge on topics such as gender-based violence, discrimination, intersectionality, and activism. These meetings created a safe space where community members could openly share their experiences, discuss their concerns, and learn from one another.

An important component of the project was also a social media campaign, within which 15 advocacy posters were published in the context of LGBTQI History Month. The campaign reached over 23,000 views, increasing the visibility of community issues and encouraging public discussion. The posters highlighted legal gaps in Armenia and included comparisons with international practices.

As a result of the project, participants gained not only knowledge, but also confidence and readiness to engage in advocacy processes. Several participants have become involved in volunteer activities, supporting other community members, particularly in navigating interactions with state institutions.

The project also helped to identify key concerns raised by the community, including issues related to safety, discrimination, difficult socio-economic conditions, and legal gaps. Particular attention was drawn to the vulnerability and violence faced by trans people engaged in sex work.

This project once again demonstrated the strong need for safe spaces where the community can gather, discuss its challenges, and collectively develop solutions. “Right Side” will continue its work by focusing on education, community empowerment, and the protection of rights.

We express our gratitude to the Women’s Fund Armenia for their support, and for recognizing trans and LGBIQ issues as an important part of the feminist agenda and supporting the community.