- What problems are important for the population, how possible is their solution at the local level, what is the significance and results of citizens' inclusion - these issues were discussed during a meeting held by the Women's Initiative Group in Khurcha (Zugdidi municipality).

The attitude of the population is as follows: we need to talk about the problems that worry us, it is necessary to attract the attention of those who can solve these problems. Inclusion of population and activism always have positive results.

The project is implemented with the support of Kvinna till Kvinna,

 women’s Foundation (Sweden)

Women initiative groups of the Fund "Sukhumi" discuss the problems that disrupt normal life in their communities and contribute to conflict situations. The focus is made on priority issues, and the list also includes long-term problems. According to the participants of the meeting, held in Orsantia community (Zugdidi municipality), there is no need to wait for solutions “from above”, their activity will speed up the advocacy process at the local level and help in the regulation of problems.

- How to solve urgent problems for the population, what will be the role of local self-government in their solution - these issues were discussed by the members of the Women Initiative Group. The activists of the communities of Pakhulani and Tskhoushi (Tsalenjikha municipality) consider the problems of water supply and transport as a priority. The issue of advocacy mechanisms was also discussed. According to the advocacy plan, the next meetings will be held with representatives of the local government. The initiative group believes that their inclusion will significantly speed up the problem resolution.

Women initiative groups of the Fund "Sukhumi" continue to work to solve the problems identified in the communities.

The issue of problematic public transport was identified in the village Khurcha (Zugdidi municipality). The transport is often damaged, cannot reach the destination, and the health and safety of the population, especially women is under the risk. Women activists have already developed an advocacy plan. Local self-government will be actively involved in the advocacy process. Problem solution will help to reduce the risks of conflict.

Unresolved social and infrastructural problems violate human security norms, and the condition of women is becoming especially difficult. The women initiative group in the village Kakhati (Zugdidi municipality) focused on the failure of the drainage system, since in rainy weather the streets and courtyards are often flooded. Resettlement of IDPs was also importtant issue, since women and children in the IDP settlement of the village Kakhati have to live in difficult conditions.

The initiative group of the Fund “Sukhumi” held an online informational meeting for the members of the community of the village Pakhulani (Tsalenjikha municipality). Participants discussed the problems, advocacy of which is a priority for the population. According to the action plan, the initiative group will continue the advocacy work with local governments. Women activists are ready to be actively involved in this process.

Problems, advocacy of which is possible at the local level –– these issues were discussed at a meeting organized by the Women Initiative Group. Representatives of Orsantia (Zugdidi municipality) participated in it, and the project moderator joined online.

According to the participants, civil society should be activated even more in order to deliver the problems of the community to local self-government, in order to make it possible to advocate and solve them.

The issue of land registration and prices associated with it; individual problems caused by job loss; close people who stayed on the territory of Gali region, and cannot receive pensions – during an online meeting these and other issues were emotionally discussed by women, living in the village Shamgona (Zugdidi municipality). They try to advocate these problems.

Number of problems has been solved as a result of the activities of Women Initiative Group in the village Khurcha (Zugdidi municipality). After the coronavirus pandemic, new problems arose that made the population uncomfortable.

During an online meeting, participants discussed individual and collective problems, and the ways of their solution. The initiative group will try to advocate the problems in cooperation with local government.

During the online meeting with women in the village Kakhati (Zugdidi municipality), the advocacy plan that would address priority issues was discussed.

“We women have become very inert, always waiting for someone to come and solve our problem.” We ourselves must be active in order to deliver our voice to the government”, the participants noted.

The women's initiative group has already started the advocacy process, which includes community activists.