The State Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality of Georgia, Thea Akhvlediani, conducted a meeting with members of the "Consultative Council of Experts Working on Reconciliation and Engagement Policy Issues" and the "Consultative Platform on Strengthening the Effective Participation of Women in the Peacebuilding Process," established through the agency's initiative. Ekaterine Gamakharia, the head of the Tbilisi office of the Women's Fund "Sukhumi," participated in the meeting.
Members of the Council and the platform shared their perspectives on taking essential steps to enhance the effectiveness of peace policy. The representative of the Fund "Sukhumi" underscored the importance of organizing thematic meetings within the platform and advocated for an increase in their frequency. This approach would provide participants with the opportunity to discuss issues in a more thorough and timely manner. The representative also highlighted the necessity of involving various sectoral agencies in these thematic meetings to improve the quality and timeliness of responses to concerns raised by the civil sector regarding peace initiatives and the interests and needs of people affected by the conflict.
The UN Open Day on Women, Peace, and Security was held, serving as a platform for dialogue between representatives of UN agencies and civil society, displaced and conflict-affected women and youth. The event aimed to exchange information about the needs and challenges on the ground.
In the mentioned meeting, the Women's Fund "Sukhumi" was represented by leaders of displaced and conflict-affected women, with whom the organization has been workind for years. Our goal is to actively involve women in the empowerment process and address existing problems.
Online practical training was provided for moderators of Women's support groups affiliated with the Women's Fund "Sukhumi." The session focused on the crucial topic of the preventing and responding to GBV during the war and in post-war settings. Ekaterine Gamakharia, the head of the Tbilisi office of Women's Fund Sukhumi, led the training session.
During the training, participants gained insights into typical forms of gender-based violence during war and conflict. They engaged in discussions regarding the direct and indirect impacts of armed/violent conflicts on women, girls, and other vulnerable groups.
Raising awareness about the harmfulness of alcohol and drugs addiction among teenagers - Kutaisi women initiative group is working on this topic as part of the advocacy process. How to give correct information to young people - psychotherapist, narcologist Vakhtang Sikharulidze talked about this issue, according to the participants, it is necessary to hold similar meetings in schools. During the meeting of Kutaisi Youth Club, the members received information about the 16-day international campaign against gender-based violence. The participants identified various activities that the club will implement within the campaign.
In Chisinau, Moldova, Ekaterine Gamakharia, Head of the Women Fund "Sukhumi" representative office in Tbilisi, was honored to lead the Fireside event at a workshop with the inspiring Women's Advisory Board (WAB) for the Moldova Peace Talks, organized by the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA) and UN Women. The workshop aimed at empowering WAB members with enhanced advocacy and negotiation skills, specifically addressing the Transnistrian Settlement Process. During the Fireside event, Ekaterine shared experiences of women activists' involvement in Georgia's peace processes, providing a detailed overview of the dynamic of cooperation between peace talks delegates and women's organizations. The session was open, interactive, and filled with enriching discussions.
"I believe in the power of shared experiences and knowledge exchange. Moldovan and Georgian women peace activists can learn from each other, reinforcing our collective commitment to building a more peaceful and inclusive world," said Ekaterine, reflecting on her visit.
Members of Senaki Women Initiative Group held their next planned meeting. The meeting participants evaluated their activities. They reviewed the list of identified issues and talked about the prospects for unresolved problems.
According to the participants, teamwork, gender sensitivity, and a well-designed advocacy plan contributed to solving various problems. Based on the gained experience, work on long-term problems will be continued in future.
The project is implemented with the support
of the UN Women organization
Members of Zugdidi Women Initiative Group gathered for the next meeting. The problems, resolved with the help of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” were noted with pride.
The problem that was voiced to various Ministries and Departments on behalf of the organization was especially emphasized. This was one of the proposals of the group, and it has already been decided: next to the men police officers on the dividing line of Abkhazia there are female police officers too, and it is they who check the women when crossing the Inguri checkpoint. This eliminated a lot of inconvenience.
Each new solved problem is an incentive for further work of the Women Initiative Group.
The project is implemented with the support
of the UN Women organization
During the next meeting, the members of Senaki women initiative group evaluated their activities, reviewed the list of identified problems and discussed ways to solve the problematic issues. According to the participants, teamwork, gender sensitivity, well-written advocacy plan helped them to solve various issues. At the beginning of the meeting, they talked about the 16-day campaign. The women focused on gender stereotypes and increased cases of violence in society. The members of Senaki youth group talked about the problems, reasons and consequences of domestic violence. They received information about a 16-day campaign against gender-based violence. Activities to be held within the campaign were planned.
The women initiative group of the village Pakhulani - Tsalenjikha municipality continues to work on advocacy issues. There is no fast internet in the village, the women plan to solve this issue. The company “Magti” responded to them. Letters signed by the residents were sent to the City Hall and the City Council. The group members are waiting for the response.
