The October meeting of Kutaisi women initiative group started differently. They heard each other's success stories and the way to success. The second issue related to the activity outlined in the advocacy plan, which envisages informational meetings with teenagers about the dangers of alcohol and drugs.The leader of Kutaisi Youth Club made a presentation on the topic: "October 15 - International Day of Women Living in Rural Areas." Young people received information about the establishment of the international day. They got acquainted with the statistics of Imereti region about women living in rural areas. They talked about the problems and challenges of rural women in their community. New members were added to the club. In order to bring them closer, informative and fun exercises were conducted.
The members of the women initiative group of the village Pakhulani - Tsalenjikha municipality held a meeting. Attention was paid to the importance of the role of women in the process of country development. They talked about the difficult conditions of women living in rural areas and their unappreciated work. The participants noted that it is necessary to support, encourage, promote and enlighten the daily life of women. The meeting was interesting. Future plans were discussed.
Training with the members of the women initiative group on the topic "Digital security in the context of violence against women" was held In Senaki. Participants heard information about what types of cyber threats exist and how they are used against women. They learned how to protect personal data. During the meeting, the members of the youth initiative group celebrated the international day of girls and women living in rural areas, the members of the club focused on the rights of women and girls.
On October 8, a training organized by the Women Fund "Sukhumi", was held with young people in the public school of the village Koki - Zugdidi municipality. The topic of the meeting was: "Mediation as a Ritual of Reconciliation”. The aim of the training was to make the young people understand the importance of mediation, to develop the necessary skills on how to manage conflict with these methods. Members of Koki Youth Club attended the training. In the first part, a small historical speech was made on how mediation was used in the distant past. Parallels were also drawn between mediation, legal frameworks and the present day. The second part of the training was devoted to the essence of mediation and a detailed discussion of the skills that a mediator should be equipped with. In the third part, role-playing games were conducted, which allowed the participants to practically prove the theoretical materials received. The participants evaluated the training positively. At another working meeting the members of Koki women initiative group talked about the role of rural women in the development of the country. According to the participants, it is important to promote and appreciate them. The meeting was dedicated to the International Day of Rural Women, which is celebrated on October 15.
On October 4, cyber security trainer Linda Chikhladze conducted a workshop on digital security with women and youth initiative groups of the village Didinedzi - Zugdidi municipality. The workshop discussed the topic of personal data protection in social networks, the importance of complex passwords, phishing threats and practically reviewed the issues of double authentication.
The brief reflects part of the research findings related to the accessibility of support services for women survivors of violence and the public’s attitude towards these services. It analyzes whom women affected by violence turn to for support, which services are prioritized when choices are available, and what factors hinder access to assistance and adequate support. Additionally, it reflects women’s perspectives on whether Georgia’s current social and political climate may affect the future ability of non-governmental organizations to provide support services to the community and their overall functioning.
The Women's Fund "Sukhumi" journalism competition awards ceremony was held at the Gelati Residence Hotel. The competition focused on the ethical coverage of gender identity disinformation and violence against women, and journalists and bloggers working in the Imereti region participated.
The event began with a welcoming speech by Ekaterine Gamakharia, head of the Tbilisi office of the Women's Fund "Sukhumi" and coordinator of the project "Changing Narratives: Fighting Against Gender Identity Disinformation for an Informed, Sensitive Society and Ethical Regional Media," and Ala Gamakharia, director of the Women’s Fund "Sukhumi". In their speech, they spoke about the Women Fund "Sukhumi"'s 25 years of experience in collaboration with journalists, and the importance of ethical coverage of violence against women.
Based on the jury's total points, the awards were distributed as follows:
During an information meeting held with members of the initiative group of the former music boarding school, participants talked about the changes that the advocacy process brings and what is needed to achieve good results.
They also discussed further plans and problems that the IDP settlement is facing at this stage - it is necessary to equip the sports ground with a drainage system so that the water does not rise. The conversation also touched on the issues of rehabilitation of the park and children's attractions, installation of benches.
The women initiative group asked the chairman of Kutaisi City Council to solve the problem and is waiting for a decision from the local government in the near future.
The project is implemented with the support of USAID local governance program
The work envisaged by the project has been completed in the IDP settlement of Khoni.
Two problems were solved: due to a faulty drainage system, rainwater accumulated near houses #10 and #15. Residents cut canals that changed the direction of the water. During heavy rains, water got into the basement and flooded, which created a threat to people's health. There were many reptiles and rodents. There was a risk of damage to the basement of the building.
Two initiatives were implemented with the human resources of the local community: the ground was excavated and filled near house #10. A raised fence was installed on the side of the pedestrian path near house #15. Thus, two problems were solved.
The project is implemented with the support
of the UN Women organization
They implemented the initiative envisaged by the project in the IDP settlement of Kutaisi municipality with their own resources. With the grant, residents of the former physics and mathematics boarding school on Leselidze Street, purchased a petrol mower, a water pump and an electric cable, oil for replacement, pliers and an electric machine. These materials will contribute to the creation of a safe living environment in the IDP community.
The project is implemented with the support
of the UN Women organization