Document

Three days in Borjomi

"The importance of inter-agency cooperation and coordination on the issues of domestic violence/violence against women at the local level" was the topic of the training held in Borjomi.

The training was attended by the representatives of local self-government from 15 municipalities of Western Georgia (Kutaisi, Tskaltubo, Khoni, Samtredia, Terjola, Bagdati, Tkibuli, Senaki, Zugdidi, Poti, Tsalenjikha, Lanchkhuti, Chokhatauri, Ozurgeti, Kobuleti).

On the first day, together with getting acquainted with each other, many things were interesting and important:

- Presentations of the research conducted by the Women Fund "Sukhumi" on: ”The importance of correction of the rapist’s behavior at an early stage” and the rapid assessment of the needs of the Mayor's representatives in 10 municipalities of western Georgia;

- Information about the website “Digital Resource Center of the Services for Victims of Violence” - http://sosfsokhumi.ge;

- Presentations and discussion of programs implemented by municipalities against violence towards the women.

The next day of the work with invited trainers Maka Peradze (Head of the Human Rights Department of the Government of Georgia) and Goga Khatiashvili (Human Rights Expert) was especially useful. They got acquainted with specific information: Georgia's obligations under international agreements, the main priorities of the human rights strategy, the importance of the Council of Europe (Istanbul) Convention in combating violence against women, etc.

The 3^rd day was dedicated to getting acquainted with the experience of Zugdidi Municipality. Gogi Revia (Head of the Social Protection and Gender Equality Department of Zugdidi Municipality) focused on the establishment and operation strategy of an inter-agency commission for the prevention of violence against women and domestic violence, protection of victims of violence and assistance to the victims.

Theoretical and practical issues, informal relationships, rest hours – everything was combined with each other and three days spent in Borjomi were impressive for all participants.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)