The first signature event of the Menq & Moonq program in 2025 was held in Noyemberyan, bringing together seven women who had found a new home in the Tavush region after being forcibly displaced from Artsakh. They gathered to create, share their experiences, and enjoy beautiful music.
During the event, the women embroidered and painted on a large canvas spread across the table. With colorful threads in their hands, they crafted asymmetrical patterns that took the shape of butterflies and flowers. Using vibrant crayons, each woman inscribed heartfelt wishes, personal reflections, and words of prayer in the Artsakh dialect.
As the therapeutic evening unfolded, they reminisced about their lives in Artsakh—their homeland, water, gardens, and cities—while also discussing their current struggles and experiences. Susanna Gharibyan, who relocated from the Martakert region of Artsakh to Noyemberyan, reflected on her journey: “For over forty years, I lived without truly understanding what hardship meant. It was only after crossing the Lachin corridor that our most difficult chapter began, and it still hasn’t ended.”
Heghine Grigoryan, also from Martakert and now in Noyemberyan, emphasized the psychological challenges of displacement:
“The government is doing everything possible to ensure we don’t experience material discomfort, but for Artsakh residents, the real struggle is psychological rather than practical.”
This signature event, part of the Menq & Moonq program, was designed specifically to help address such challenges. The evening featured a captivating performance by musician Tamara Atanesyan from the Shushiki band. The women enthusiastically joined her in singing traditional songs such as “Kakavik,” “Msho Gorani,” “Kamavor,” and others.
At the close of the workshop, each participant received a meaningful gift—a sewing machine and stationery supplies for their children. Many of the women already had experience with sewing, making the machines a valuable tool for easing household burdens or generating additional income.
The Menq & Moonq program is financed by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) in partnership with Sign of Hope (SoH). The project is implemented by the Development Principles NGO.
