From March 8 to April 7, Armenia celebrates Women’s Month—a time to honor the strength, resilience, and achievements of women. We asked ten women from diverse backgrounds to share their journeys: What dreams did they chase? What choices shaped their lives? What wisdom would they pass on to younger women? Though they differ in age, careers, and perspectives, they are bound by a common thread—the unwavering belief in themselves.
Marine: From Ruins to Dreams
The devastating 1988 earthquake shattered 11-year-old Marine Melikyan’s world, burying her parents under the ruins and leaving her traumatized. Yet, she persevered. Determined to rebuild her future, she left Gyumri for Cyprus, where she continued her education at the Melkonian Institute. Later, she pursued higher studies in Beirut, earning a degree in advertising and marketing before forging a successful career in the field. Now at 48, Marine has a loving husband, two children, and a thriving professional life. She has no regrets about her past decisions, having learned to make crucial decisions from an early age.
“If I could go back in time, I would return to my childhood years to receive more warmth and love from my parents, especially my mom,” she says. “As time passes, I feel that absence of parental love more deeply.”
Marine does not dream of more—she simply wants to maintain her happiness. She feels blessed with her current situation, taking pride in her family and well-educated children.
She believes young women today have more opportunities than she had in her youth: “My advice to young women is not to give up, not to waste time overthinking problems, stay motivated, and to get the best education you can.”
Vera: Between Home and Wars
Vera Serpekian is both a descendant of Armenian Genocide survivors and a survivor of Lebanon’s ongoing wars. Years ago, she and her husband fled to Jordan with their newborn daughter in search of safety, though Lebanon remains the place she calls home. Teaching wasn’t her original career choice—she had wanted to become a lab technician. But the Lebanese Civil War limited her options. “As years passed and I worked first as a part-time teacher, then full-time, my passion for my dream career faded. I don’t regret it. I love teaching.”
Now 55, Vera sees her life as an ongoing journey, shaped by resilience and adaptability. She takes pride in her students’ successes, in her own ability to navigate change, and most of all, in her daughters’ achievements. She holds no regrets about her younger self’s decisions—only the wisdom that comes with time. “If I could go back in time, I would only change one thing—I wouldn’t let my dad go to work that day he had a fatal work accident.”
Through it all, she embraces life’s unpredictability. “Sometimes, no matter how stubborn you are or how hard you try, life steers you toward unexpected places. This shouldn’t discourage or worry you; on the contrary, it might be an opportunity.”
Anna: Darling of Fate
A thriving career woman and devoted mother, Anna Harutyunyan considers herself a “darling of fate.” Despite marrying at 17, she pursued higher education, started working at 18, and now owns both a travel agency and a language teaching center. At 40, she is proud of the life she has built, one that balances ambition, independence and family.
Looking back, there are things she might have done differently, but she has no regrets. “If I could go back in time, I would raise my daughter differently––ensuring I never let her dreams down and helping her be a brave woman. Since I became a mother at such a young age, I made some mistakes while raising her.”
Drawing from her own experience, Anna advises young women to take their time before getting married, recognizing both the rewards and challenges that come with early marriage. “Don’t rush. Build your career, establish yourself, and then consider starting a family. My ability to marry and still complete my education is rare––it works in perhaps 1% of cases. Most young brides end up becoming housewives, taking all of the household burdens.”
Sofya: Doctor as a Life
At 75, Sofya Serobyan has dedicated five decades to medicine and remains steadfast in her commitment to the Hippocratic Oath, continuing her work at the Medical Center in Spitak. Despite life’s challenges, she takes pride in her work, children, and grandchildren. She has pursued her dream profession, traveled the world, and built a loving family, yet she reflects on the choices she made in her personal life. “I always wished for a more peaceful life without loss and drama. I married at 22, but I wish I had waited until I was more mature.”
Though practicing medicine is demanding and often stressful, it remains her greatest passion. “If I could turn back time, I would relive my student years. The journey to becoming a doctor was incredible—without a doubt, those were the best years of my life.”
Drawing from her experiences, Sofya offers one simple but powerful piece of advice: kindness. “I would tell young women to make thoughtful decisions, measure twice, cut once. I want them to be educated, independent, and kind. As a woman, you must always, always help those in need.”
Anna: The Nostalgic
At 49, Anna Chapanyan cherishes her childhood years as her sweetest chapter of her life. Growing up in her grandparents’ small village in Javakhk, she longs to relive those memories. “I wish I could return to my childhood when I used to spend the summers in my grandparents’ village. I would spend my days by the lake, playing with my 24 cousins and, of course, reading books with my sister, whom I sadly lost during the earthquake.”
After the birth of her first daughter, Anna stepped away from her career to focus on family. “I’m a proud mother of three wonderful daughters, and their achievements bring me immense joy. I spend as much time with them as possible. We often visit my grandparents’ village so they can experience what I did while growing up.”
Though she didn’t pursue a career, Anna believes it’s never too late to achieve something significant. “You just need motivation. I plan to start a business that will help children learn faster, and I’am excited about it.”
Looking back, she acknowledges there are things she might have done differently, but her advice to young women is simple: be confident and prioritize yourself. “My only wish for young women is to live happily in peace. Trust your instincts and listen to your heart.”
Meri: Paris, Here I Come
Meri Musinyan has always been drawn to reading, writing and listening to people’s stories. Over the course of her 48 years, she has built a rich career while constantly expanding her knowledge. Passionate about journalism, she now lives and works in Toronto. “Moving to Toronto wasn’t really my choice, but it taught me that supporting your loved one’s wishes is also a choice,” she says.
In her youth, Meri dreamed of studying in Paris. “After three months of training there, I was accepted to Sorbonne University, but I didn’t go. I couldn’t overcome my fear of leaving Armenia, even temporarily. Life never gave me another chance like that. If I could speak to my younger self, I’d tell her to be braver, to embrace opportunities with enthusiasm.”
She hopes to see Armenian society recognize and value women more, both in the public sphere and within families. “In many Armenian households, women are still subordinate, their rights overlooked. I would love to see Armenian women and girls fully valued for who they are.”
Her advice to young women is simple yet powerful: “Put your personal happiness first. Do what truly makes you happy.”
Tina: The Right Companion
For Tina Harutyunyan, 76, wearing a white coat and caring for patients for 35 years was an honor. She grew up in Javakhk before studying nursing in Tbilisi. Later, she moved to Gyumri where she began working as a nurse at an oncological hospital. Though she married at 19 and raised four daughters, she continued her nursing career. “I was a happy wife and happy mother, but I have never stopped nursing because of my family. My family and my job––that was my whole world.”
In her youth, Tina enjoyed sports and dance, but after marriage, her focus shifted entirely to work and family. She never had grand ambitions beyond finding the right life partner. “Having a good husband is very important. I’m proud of my choice, as he always supported and trusted me.”
Though she has lived a fulfilled life with no regrets, there is one dream she never realized. If given the chance, she would have pursued medical school to become a doctor. “We were five children and had financial problems in our family. I couldn’t afford medical school. I love nursing, but if I had the chance, I would become a doctor.”
Hasmik: Redefining Career
Hasmik Dilbaryan’s teenage years were full of challenges and hardships. The 1988 earthquake and its harsh aftermath severely impacted her life. Later, a tragic accident forced her to abandon her dream of becoming a lawyer. “I had an accident that led to serious injuries and required two major surgeries. As a result, I couldn’t pursue that dream and instead studied English at Yerevan State University.” Today, Hasmik helps her students chase their own dreams and strive for their future career goals.
After graduating from YSU, Hasmik began teaching at Shirakatsi Lyceum. However, she later returned to her hometown, Spitak, to continue teaching there, though she sometimes reflects on the career opportunities she left behind. “I sometimes wonder if I could have stayed in Yerevan and built a career there.”
Hasmik believes there is always room for growth. “I would advise my younger self to read more, seize every opportunity to learn, take up a hobby, learn to play a musical instrument, go hiking to explore Armenia, and study the endemic plants of my region.”
Now, at 46, with hundreds of students to her name, Hasmik is a beloved teacher, daughter, mother and grandmother. She takes pride in her inner strength, willpower to succeed, and ability to forge long-lasting friendships.
“I believe every person should dream big and achieve big. It’s important not to become stagnant and to ensure continuous professional and personal development.”
Mimi: No Regrets
For many, retirement is the last phase of their life; for Mimi Zarookian, it is the beginning of an entirely new phase. Following her mother’s example, who moved to Armenia at age 80, in 2013 Mimi left her life in Los Angeles and moved to Armenia. Now, at 75, she teaches Children’s Literature at the American University of Armenia. “As long as a person is breathing and able to think, it’s never too late to change things or pursue a dream.”
Looking back, Mimi has no regrets and wouldn’t change anything if given the chance––she lived and continues to live her dream life. “What more can one ask for? I feel successful in having chosen a path and career that has filled my life with passion and contentment. I am grateful for the opportunities that have provided direction and meaning to my life.” Mimi believes her life’s success stems from having found “the key to balance.”
Mimi’s advice to young women is to feel empowered. “It’s easy to assume a victim mentality, ending up in a trench of complaints. However, if we claim our seat at the table, we as women can positively impact our existence and our world.”
Meri: Better Late Than Never
In Sisian, in the Syunik region, Meri Vardanyan has built a fulfilling life surrounded by her warm, caring family and a profession she loves. While she considers her life beautiful, there are still things she would change if given the chance. “If I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self to enjoy every moment, every second of my life. Be present in every happy family occasion and celebrate it with more enthusiasm.”
After marriage, Meri put her dream of becoming a doctor on hold to focus on her family. “My family and children were a top priority for me. That’s why I temporarily gave up my dream. I knew that my dream could wait and I could achieve it later.”
Now, at 44, she finds joy in providing first aid and helping those in need. “It’s never too late to chase your dreams.” She has no regrets about her past, knowing she made the best choices for her circumstances.
Meri hopes all women can lead fulfilling lives and embrace every moment. “I encourage young women to always take care of themselves, have patience, and not rush toward their goals––good things come with time.”
