Protecting the most vulnerable in society is one of the most important roles of the state. There are people, however, like Mira Antonyan, the director of FAR’s Children Support Center Foundation, who for many years, along with others, shouldered that burden.

Nine centuries ago, Armenian scholar Mkhitar Gosh enshrined the rights of children in the Armenian national discourse. Protecting the rights of children, ensuring their care, education and health is the responsibility of the family and the state. Today, as in the past, it is also the love of others that can make all the difference.

The Kotayk SOS Children’s Village was established in 1988 following the Spitak earthquake to offer immediate aid to those children who had lost their parents. Today, over 30 years later, SOS Children’s Villages continue to support children and their families in three locations across Armenia.

With the global market value of natural cosmetics steadily rising over the past decade, a number of Armenian companies have begun to create a niche and secure a strong customer base for natural beauty products made in Armenia.

Sex continues to be a taboo subject in Armenia. When it comes to sexual relations between individuals with disabilities, the misconceptions and taboos are even greater, writes Kushane Chobanyan.

Couples who have struggled with infertility, sometimes turn to surrogate mothers to have a child of their own. With continuing economic hardship in Armenia, policymakers and health professionals need to address issues in the current legislation that may leave women who choose to become surrogates vulnerable.

As women in Armenia continue to break stereotypes, they are entering professions usually reserved for men. Kushane Chobanyan spent a day with female first responders and got a peek inside the life of these incredible women.

Being born with Down Syndrome has not stopped Tigran Gevorgyan from pursuing his dreams. From winning gold medals at the Special Olympics to finding love, Tigran is not only breaking stereotypes, he’s creating a life of joy, fulfillment and meaning.