Artsakh Fund launches skills program for displaced women
Empowering Artsakh women to thrive
The Artsakh Fund is launching a new initiative to help women displaced from Artsakh rebuild their lives through vocational training in traditional Armenian crafts. The Help Artsakh Women Rebuild Initiative teaches Marash embroidery and carpet weaving—traditional skills with deep cultural significance—to displaced women, connecting heritage preservation with economic opportunity. Following the forced displacement of over 120,000 Armenians from Artsakh in September 2023, the program aims to move beyond temporary humanitarian assistance toward sustainable livelihoods. Participants receive hands-on instruction designed to produce high-quality finished pieces and develop business skills. The program connects trainees to broader markets including diaspora communities, collectors, and specialty retailers seeking authentic handmade goods. The approach recognizes that traditional Armenian craftsmanship offers market value beyond mass-produced alternatives.
