On November 13, 2025, in the frame of VolFiRe project Armenian Caritas organised a second round table with local organizations supporting women and people with disabilities.

The aim of this meeting was to discuss the inclusion of women and people of disabilities within the Volunteer Fire Rescue Groups (VFRGs) established in 13 communities and 9 Marz of Armenia, with the Armenian Red Cross Society (ARCS) and the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.

Apart from usual partners, the meeting was attended by representatives of local NGOs working in the fields of protection of the rights of women and people with disabilities, also volunteers and representatives of communities targeted by the project.

So far, the Volunteer Fire Rescue Groups (VFRGs) of Armenia include 200 volunteers, 12% of women among them and few people with disabilities. Constant efforts are being made to integrate them into the groups, but also to remind people that the idea is to bring all members of a community together around a common goal. 

Participants learned about the programme itself and the actions taken so far to promote the inclusion of women and persons with disabilities, as well as hearing inspiring testimonials. Emphasising the importance of the programme and confirming the need to include women and persons with disabilities, participants not only highlighted the barriers that prevent women and persons with disabilities from participating in Volunteer Fire Rescue Groups (VFRGs), but also proposed, based on their experience, ways to promote their involvement.

During the discussion, participants also sought to understand how organisations dealing with women's and disability issues could help identify and refer women and persons with disabilities to Volunteer Fire Rescue Groups (VFRGs).