In the last year, instances of NGOs actively contributing to Armenia's development have increased dramatically. Despite persistent economic hardship and lingering uncertainties within the regulatory environment, many of the NGOs served by the NGO Center have recorded growth and notable successes. Although many groups continue to run into government and popular resistance, many others have established successful precedents of effective dialogue and cooperation between government and NGOs. More than 15 women's organizations participated in the hearings where the status of women within Armenia and women's role in democratization were brought to the attention of Armenia's Parliament. The hearings were the result of concerted advocacy on the part of women' s NGOs.
Future plans call for the establishment of a permanent parliamentary committee on women's issues.
In the early days of the independence movement in Armenia, environmental NGOs were active leaders. Following independence and the ensuing economic collapse, their public support vanished as unemployed citizens often blamed the environmental groups for their hardships. Now that the roots of the Armenian NGO sector are firmly planted and civic consciousness has begun to develop, environmental activism is on the rise. The objective was to introduce the concept of Earth Day in Armenia, to increase public awareness of environmental issues, and to provide a forum where Armenian environmental groups could reach out to a diverse audience. Although a number of NGOs took part in the drafting of the law, many organizations remain unclear regarding its application and their own responsibilities.