Prize for Women's Creativity in Rural Life
2026 Laureate
Stella SARUKHANYAN (44)
Armenia
Her project supports the following SDGs:
What are the SDGs?
The Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection.
"Even the smallest village has the power to grow, if someone believes in it and stands beside it".
Between 2005 & 2013, Stella worked as a marketing specialist and later as Executive Director within initiatives linked to the Green Lane Agricultural Assistance NG0. During this period, she developed her expertise in agricultural marketing, farmer training, and organizational management. She worked closely with smallholder farmers to improve product quality, introduced basic value addition and strengthen access to local markets. This phase laid the foundation for her integrated approach combining agriculture, income generation, and community development.
From 2013 onwards, Stella expanded her work across multiple regions of Armenia as trainer and program coordinator. She delivered trainings in sustainable agriculture marketing, and the use of wild edible plants as alternative income sources. During this period, she contributed to:
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The establishment of eco-clubs in rural schools, promoting environmental awareness among youth
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The development of rural tourism initiatives, including community-based tourism models
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The coordination of programs in over 30 rural communities.
In 2016, Stella founded the social enterprise "Armenian Village", which became a practical platform for promoting rural products, culture, and tourism. Through this and related initiatives, she helped create direct market linkages for rural producers.
A key component of her work is the annual "Festival of Rural Life and Traditions", which she helped coordinate for over a decade. The festival:
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Attracts several thousand visitors annually
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Engages more than 50 rural producers each year
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Serves as a direct sales and marketing platform
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Strengthens rural-urban connections and cultural exchange
Throughout her career, Stella has contributed to development initiatives in more than 30 rural communities across Armenia. She has delivered over 100 training sessions, reaching more than 1'500 participants, approximately 80% of whom are women. Her work has supported the creation of strengthening at least 200 micro and small enterprises, many of them women led.