Women and girls make beautiful handicrafts. In early February, they began studying at the Day Rehabilitation Center of the Women Fund "Sukhumi" - they touched polymer clay for the first time, but already know a lot and love working with it.
Maka Jishkariani shares her knowledge and experience with new students and is happy with their diligence.
Everyone knows that these are not just classes, but real therapy. This process reveal the women's creative abilities and hobbies. After training, they can start a small business, realize their ideas and dreams.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
- What is the quality standard of family and community involvement in the processes taking place in preschool institutions? How high is the gender impact? What prevents the equal inclusion of both parents? What problems hinder the creation of a full-fledged environment? - Information exchange on these issues was held at a meeting in kindergarten #17 in Kutaisi, which was attended by representatives of public and private kindergartens, psychologists, children's rights specialists and parents.
- Low involvement of immigrant parents, lack of communication with fathers and their inclusion, unequal participation of parents of children with disabilities/special needs in the upbringing process, weak coordination with service providers and actors working in the field of children's rights - these and other issues were emphasized by the participants of the meeting. Along with the results of the research, the speakers discussed the resources and opportunities that can be used to address the identified challenges.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Another information exchange meeting on the findings and recommendations reflected in the research on assessing the gender impact of the family and community participation component of the “Preschool Education Quality Standard” was held in kindergarten #7 in Kutaisi.
Preschool administrators, teachers, educators, methodologists, special education teachers and parents actively discussed the challenges that hinder family and community participation in the educational process.
Participants confirmed the importance of implementing positive practices that ensure the full participation of both parents. In their opinion, a variety of activities, increased staff competence, and partnerships with service providers will improve the quality of interaction between the family and the community with children's institutions, which will contribute to the creation of a full-fledged child-oriented environment.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The second information exchange meeting, organized by the Women Fund "Sukhumi", was held in kindergarten #25 in Kutaisi. Heads of various preschool institutions, teachers, methodologists, special educators, speech therapists and methodologists were familiarized with the research on assessing the gender impact of the family and community participation component of the "Preschool Education Quality Standard". The research experts presented the findings, best practices and existing problems, which are outlined in the final report, and clearly demonstrated the impact of the standard on students, parents, the community and staff of preschool institutions. Suggestions for improving the service were presented.
During the discussion the meeting participants spoke about the importance of equal participation of both parents in the upbringing and education of children, parental pedagogy, and improving partnership work with preschool institutions. They expressed regret that the experience of specialists in this field has not been sufficiently studied. Its use, expansion of dialogue with parents and other service providers will contribute to more effective implementation of the "Preschool Education Quality Standard". Children and their families will be provided with a full-fledged service that meets modern standards.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
"What Do Women Survivors Say?" reflects on the harsh realities experienced by domestic violence survivors in Georgia, sharing their personal stories, challenges, and the systemic barriers they face in seeking safety and independence. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in 2024 alone, 8,744 restraining orders were issued, with the vast majority of victims - 6,634 cases - being women. Despite legal progress, many survivors refrain from seeking help due to social stigma, economic dependence, and a lack of accessible support services. Based on research by the Women’s Fund “Sokhumi,” this document assesses the effectiveness of existing assistance programs and underscores the urgent need for stronger, more sustainable mechanisms to support women in rebuilding their lives.
An online meeting was held, with participation of members of the "Network of Women and Girls Peace Ambassadors" from Kutaisi, Khoni, Tskaltubo, Senaki and Zugdidi municipalities.
The meeting summarized the results of the project, and the participants heard an analysis of the current situation in terms of advocacy for problems in individual municipalities.
The leaders of the network voiced the priority problems of their communities. They worked on their identification worked with the group members.
The network participants spoke about the importance of the network, the empowerment of each participant and the implementation of civil initiatives. They also noted how important it is for them to be able to voice local problems at the international level, in particular on the platform of the UN Open Day. The project is coming to its end and is undergoing an evaluation in parallel. Evaluators Marina Gurbo and Dako Bakhturidze took part in the online meeting
The project is implemented with the support
of the UN Women organization
The Women’s Fund “Sokhumi” continues raising awareness on digital security by organizing workshops across different municipalities in Georgia.
From February 4 to 7, digital security trainer Linda Chikhladze held sessions in Tskaltubo, Samtredia, and Chokhatauri, engaging local women's support groups in discussions on online risks and protective mechanisms.
During the workshops, participants:
- Learned about technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) and its impact;
- Studied personal data protection techniques – strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and privacy tools;
- Became familiar with legal protections against online violence;
- Discussed the importance of mutual support and women’s empowerment.
The Forum Theatre can hold performances anywhere - in a hall, on the street...
One February meeting was held in Vani, another - in Kutaisi Park.
Young actors presented actual problems. At public school of Vani Forum Theatre held performance for the first time, and made a huge impression on the audience - with the form of expression and the actors' performance. Some of those gathered joined the performance, and others expressed their opinions on the issues during the discussion.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The Women Fund “Sukhumi” has completed the gender impact assessment of the "family and community participation" component of the preschool education quality standard. An information campaign has been launched to exchange information and expand the dialogue with the target groups of the research.
The first meeting was held in the kindergarten #13 in Kutaisi, and was attended by preschool teachers, methodologists, special educators, speech therapists and methodologists.
The meeting participants had the opportunity to discuss the positive results of the “family and community participation” component based on the research findings, as well as the challenges in terms of equal participation of both parents and communication with the community. According to the participants, the main findings and recommendations identified during the research will contribute to the effective implementation of the “Quality Standard of Preschool Education” and the creation of a positive environment focused on the interests of the child.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Women Support Centers hold mobilization meetings to prevent violence and identify cases. With the help of the Centers' mobilizers, more than 150 people received information about victim assistance services from the state and non-governmental sector. As a result of the information provided in January, 10 families under the risk were identified. Work with them is already underway - the beneficiaries received consultations from a psychologist and lawyer of the Women Fund “Sukhumi”.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)