Armenian Wonderwomen by Gayane Aghabalyan and Elmira Ayvazyan

Armenian Wonderwomen is a children’s book that tells the stories of 37 Armenian women. It aims to shed light on the untold stories of Armenian women who have changed the course of history, had significant contributions to science, art, music and beyond, yet were never learned about. The book also tells the stories of contemporary women who break stereotypes and challenge the status quo, following their dreams despite the pressure from society.

“As kids, we only heard stories about men being heroes. You can count on one hand the number of women we have studied in school. We didn’t see any streets or statues honoring important Armenian women. But as we grew up, we discovered stories of women who made a big impact on our history. These stories inspire us, and we want to share them with people through Armenian Wonderwomen. Our goal is to highlight these forgotten figures and give them the recognition they deserve. We’re breaking the silence and finally honoring them,” reflect the authors of Armenian Wonderwomen.

“Armenian Wonderwomen is an exceptional platform that introduces readers to a diverse range of inspiring role models. This captivating book goes beyond societal expectations, showcasing many possibilities and demonstrating that one’s potential knows no bounds. It serves as a beacon of empowerment, offering valuable insights and guidance to young ladies as they embark on their journey of self-discovery and navigate their career choices. Through the stories of remarkable Armenian women, this book becomes a source of motivation, reminding girls that they have the power to break through any barriers and pursue their passions fearlessly. With its captivating narratives and diverse representation, Armenian Wonderwomen is a must-read for young girls and women alike. It uplifts, inspires, and empowers, leaving a lasting impression on readers of all ages.” –  Armenuhi Manjikyan, Patreon Community Manager, Gradarak Libraries NGO

Gayane Aghabalyan is an integrated programs manager that works on grassroots level and community driven educational and child protection projects. She is a published children’s author and has three inclusive books that are based on real life stories of people with disabilities. With her friend Elmira Ayvazyan, Aghabalyan co-authored and published Armenian Wonderwomen, another children’s book about historical and contemporary Armenian women. She is also a teaching associate at the American University of Armenia, and is pursuing her graduate degree in education at the University of Glasgow.

Elmira Ayvazyan is a product manager at an IT company and describes herself as a tech enthusiast passionate about social change. Her vision is to use technology to solve puzzles contributing to people’s well-being. She has also been involved in various projects, especially concentrating on gender equality, environmentalism, and the development of rural Armenia. As she herself has never had the chance to study Armenian women at school, Ayvazyan wants the situation to change for younger generations with her co-authored new book Armenian Wonderwomen.