Emma PETROSYAN, Armenia
PROJECT: Women Bike Camp in Vanadzor

Emma Petrosyan is a young social entrepreneur in Armenia. After she graduated Yerevan State University, the faculty of Geography and Geology she decided to move to live and work outside of the capital of Armenia. Her dream was to see a lot of cyclists and increase the cycling culture in the region. Soon she started to work as a project manager to build Armenia’s first mountain bike park. She noted the potential of adventure  tourism that the country has and with the support of various international organizations, she pursued her career in building a mountain bike destination.

Women Bike Camp in Vanadzor

Fellowship Summary: Design and deliver a campaign and a ‘bike camp’ which uses the promotion of healthy lifestyles as a tool for the empowerment of women.

Implemented by Emma Petrosyan, the Women Bike Camp in Vanadzor was an initiative aimed at empowering women and girls through cycling and fostering confidence in sports participation. This unique project marked the first event of its kind in the region, combining practical cycling lessons with skill-building workshops, all while providing participants with the opportunity to connect with nature and embrace a healthy lifestyle.

The bike camp welcomed 1o women from three different cities in Armenia, who participated in three cycling classes. These sessions not only helped participants learn to ride bicycles but also offered a hands-on workshop about bike mechanics, covering basic repairs and maintenance skills. For many participants, this was a first-time experience, boosting their self-confidence and expanding their perspectives on outdoor sports and recreational activities.

The impact of the bike camp extended far beyond the immediate participants. A significant partnership was established with Women Fund Armenia, which expressed strong interest in supporting the camp as an annual event. Additionally, the Municipality of Vanadzor recognized the potential of cycling as a recreational and transport activity.

With continued support from Women Fund Armenia and other donors, the bike camp plans to host future cycling classes for women and youth in Vanadzor, fostering inclusivity and empowerment through sports.

Fellowship Programs 2021
Country Armenia
Areas of Interest Awareness raising
Topics Gender issues
Health & sports
Youth empowerment
Project duration May - September 2022