Rising Together Empowerment Training Took Place

At the "Rising Together: Empowerment Training for Diverse Communities" gathering, LGBTIQ+ community members and allies from various regions of Armenia and the capital came together. The primary aim of the training was to create a safe and inclusive space where each participant could freely express their thoughts, share personal and community experiences, and discuss existing challenges and ways to address them.

The training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to defend and advocate for their rights, engage in activism, and take on leadership roles within their communities. The main focus was placed on human rights, advocacy, and activism.

During the training, participants learned about different manifestations of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in legal, social, and cultural contexts. Both overt and hidden forms of discrimination were discussed, as well as their impact on the enjoyment of human rights and the challenges community members face in their daily lives. Participants jointly analyzed mechanisms for preventing discrimination, legal protection tools, and both international and local best practices.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, the meeting included practical exercises and group work aimed at developing collaboration skills, strengthening a culture of solidarity, and fostering leadership qualities. Participants split into working groups to develop joint strategies for community engagement, mutual support, and problem-solving. It was emphasized that only through united and coordinated action can real change be achieved.

During the meeting, participants shared their personal stories, revealing the difficulties they had faced in their lives and activism, and the strength they had drawn from the support of their community. These stories not only inspired others but also served as a reminder that together it is possible to overcome even the most difficult challenges.

At the conclusion of the event, everyone brought together their proposals and jointly discussed future steps. The meeting ended with a shared commitment to maintain connections, support one another, and take concrete actions in the fight against discrimination, to strengthen democracy in Armenia, protect human rights, and ensure equal opportunities for all.

This training became not only a platform for acquiring new knowledge and skills but also an important opportunity to build strong community ties, foster an atmosphere of trust, and unite around common goals.

This meeting was made possible with the support of the Equality Fund. We are grateful to the Equality Fund for their continuous support in advancing equality and protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.