Manushak Production

Denim Waste Recycling in Armenia: Supporting Women with Disabilities

Manushak Production is a social and environmental initiative based in Goghovit village, Shirak region, Armenia. The project gives new life to unwanted denim by turning old jeans into handmade products such as rugs, home items, toys, eco-bags, and other useful everyday objects.

The initiative is led by Manushak Nersisyan, an individual entrepreneur and craftswoman who works with women from vulnerable groups, including women with disabilities from Goghovit, Gyumri, and nearby rural communities.

For many women in the region, access to stable work is limited because of mobility challenges, social isolation, caregiving responsibilities, or difficult life circumstances. Manushak Production creates opportunities for them to work from home, develop practical skills, earn income, and become more socially included.

The project also preserves and promotes Armenian handmade traditions. Alongside denim recycling, the team creates handmade textile products inspired by Armenian carpet ornaments, national symbols, and traditional crafts such as knitting, embroidery, crochet, sewing, and carpet weaving.

By recycling denim waste, the initiative helps reduce textile pollution and supports more responsible consumption. Instead of being thrown away, used denim becomes a resource for creativity, education, and community development.

Manushak Production also plans to expand its educational work by teaching people about environmental protection, circular economy, and textile waste recycling, especially the reuse of worn denim clothing.

The current fundraising campaign will help the team strengthen production, train more women, and build a more sustainable model for inclusive handmade textile work in the Goghovit community.
In the long term, Manushak’s vision is to create an inclusive social enterprise: Manushak Handmade Textiles / Coffee Bar — a welcoming space where women can work, learn traditional crafts, meet visitors, sell their products, and contribute to the development of their village.