Two social business entities were presented within the project “Social and Economic Development of Low-Income IDPs and Local Population in the Caucasus” (EPIC), implemented by the representative office of German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ GmbH) in Azerbaijan powered by State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and IDPs.
"Dazgah" was created by a group of IDP women living in Yenikand settlement in Aghdam region, and "Tamas Sarvi" - by the women initiators in Ganja city. These social enterprises mainly engaged in the production of textiles and household goods were organized with material and technical assistance of GIZ, as well with organizational assistance of State Committee. The women were trained in vocational training, business administration, and equipped with necessary equipment.
It was noted that main feature that distinguishes social entrepreneurship from traditional business activities is that there is public mission in it and it serves the development of the community to which it belongs. It was noted that five percent of the income of "Dazgah" social brand goes to personal development of IDP Women, and the income of "Tamas Sarvi" goes to supporting the victims of the gender- based violence and human trafficking in general.
The event was attended by the advisor to the chairman of State Committee, Nasimi Narimanov, chief of the Employment sector Kamran Aghamaliyev, head of the representative office of GIZ in Azerbaijan, Karin Hörhan, project manager Jorg Le Blanc, etc.
The participants of the event emphasized the importance of further expansion of social entrepreneurship initiatives, which have positive impact on improving material well- being of low- income class of the population, improving their employment, and noted that the support for the activities of the IDP communities in this field should be continued.
