Retreat is a working meeting, a psychological and physical recharge, a vacation that will be pleasantly remembered by everyone.
The Fund “Sukhumi” staff spent three days with their families at “Borjomi Palace” Hotel (mostly there were children: kind, beautiful, and talented).
There were excursions to the Rabati Fortress, the Cathedral of St. Seraphim of Sarov, the Cathedral of St. George in the village of Sadgeri, and walks through Borjomi Park and the streets.
While working with psychologist Inna Ayrapetyan, the participants sought answers to the following questions: What is our current state? What factors negatively impact us? What can we influence? What can we change? Where can we find new strength and resources?
Of course, we "discovered" many internal resources, created and deciphered their "internal" and "external" masks, mastered new "self-defense" techniques, better understood each other, thought, cried, and laughed...
At the end, the children surprised us: they showed a scene from the forum-theater, danced, and recited poetry...
We realized: the resources are within us, in our families, and also in the beneficiaries, in those whom this organization helps, whom it tries to support for almost 30 years...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Women with difficult experiences come to the rehabilitation center: unresolved trauma, long-term stress, hopelessness, low self-esteem, and difficult social situations. However, behind these difficulties lies the ability to fight and faith in a better future.
In order to strengthen their faith, we offered the women a polymer clay master-class led by the trainer - Maka Jishkariani. The creative process was more than just a craft—it was a therapeutic experience, allowing them to discover their own abilities and activate their inner resources.
The workshop participants showed great interest. Each of them demonstrated natural talent and a great desire to better learn this direction.
The works created by them were filled with color, emotions and the hope of something new. This day became another step towards the changes.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The problem of violence against women becomes even more pressing when the online space is added to it, offering even greater opportunities for violent control.
At meetings organized by Women Support Centers, special attention was paid to the threats posed by digital technologies. It was noted that violence is shown not only in the physical environment. This is a serious challenge online as well.
The meetings focused on the importance of accessing support services for victims of violence so they can protect themselves from such threats and receive the necessary assistance in a timely manner.
Participants noted:
"Women have poor information about digital violence, which exacerbates their feelings of insecurity."
"These meetings are very useful. We can use this awareness to combat this problem."
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Spring is in our rehabilitation center—in the air, in the flowers in the courtyard, in the women's moods.
It's not visible in the photos, but we know how happy the women are; they share this with us, they appreciate our care, and express their gratitude.
In one photo there is Eka Kvachakidze, the psychologist, whom the women trust most, share their problems and feelings with her, and receive the advice they need.
In the second photo a project coordinator Lela Jalagonia and project assistant Khatuna Gogua are talking to the women. Women are more modest with them, but they say they enjoy being at the center, the environment, the way they are treated, and that the children are also very happy...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
How actual is the problem of domestic violence in communities?
How informed is the public about victim support services?
How do they respond to cases of violence?
Where can they find information about existing services?
Active discussions on these issues were held at informational meetings initiated by the Women Support Centers of Khurcha (Zugdidi Municipality), Tskaltubo, and Tsalenjikha.
Paraprofessionals actively work with mobilizers to strengthen social work. In parallel with case identification, referrals are underway. Three women and their children will receive psychosocial support at our rehabilitation center.
Social work facilitates access to services, which is especially important for women at risk.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The aim of informational meetings held in Kutaisi and Senaki was to raise awareness among women and introduce them to resources that ensure the safety of women under the risk.
Participants received information about the forms and types of violence against women, as well as support services for victims of violence. They learned which hotlines are effective and why it is important to be aware of these services.
They noted that receiving such information is important, as people often do not realize that they can also become victims of online violence.
"We often don't realize that online harassment, stalking, or sharing personal information is a form of violence. Now we know whom to address for help."
According to the participants, such meetings help raise awareness in communities and promptly respond to cases of violence.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
A final conference on "Women's Empowerment and Sustainable Mechanisms for Community Support: Experience, Results, and Impact" was held at “Gelati Residence” Hotel.
The meeting united 50 women from various municipalities: leaders and members of mutual assistance groups, paraprofessionals, participants of civic initiatives, and representatives of the Fund “Sukhumi”.
The women shared their experiences, achieved changes, and challenges during four thematic panels:
- Women's mutual assistance groups as a safe space for women's empowerment and digital skills development
- Civic initiatives implemented by the women that have led to real change in municipalities
- Paraprofessional support and its impact on women's lives
- Digital platforms and social networks to provide information on support services for women who have experienced violence, aiming at raising awareness and increasing access to services
The project evaluation showed that community-based support models strengthen social and economic inclusion, raise the importance of digital security and access to information, and build networks of mutual support and solidarity within communities.
At the end of the event, the awards were given to women who actively participated in the project.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
Migration is a serious and highly relevant topic. The relationships between parents who have emigrated abroad and their children who remained at home are particularly emotional.
These issues leave no one indifferent: there are many examples, both from their own families and from their circle of relatives and neighbors.
These cases were discussed at meeting with women and girls in Kopitnari IDP settlement. Moreover, a psychologist from our organization attended the meeting. There were many questions, recollections of various stories, and advice from the psychologist...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
During the informational meeting in Khoni, participants discussed the importance of improving self-esteem and stress management with a psychologist. The meeting was interactive and included both theoretical and practical exercises. The exercises helped participants identify their strengths and understand their personal resources.
"Such tests and practical tasks help us see our capabilities more clearly and analyze how we can cope with problems."
"The stress management techniques we learned are truly useful in everyday life. It's important to know how to take care of your emotional state."
Informational meetings were also held at Women Support Centers of Zugdidi, Chokhatauri, and Khobi. One of the main topics of the meetings was the discussion of forms of violence. The issue of digital violence was of particular interest.
According to the participants, "forms of violence have become more diverse nowadays, as the online space creates new risks." They noted the importance of raising public awareness and knowledge about safety rules in the digital space.
The goal of such informational meetings at the Women Support Centers is to empower women, raise their awareness, and provide practical tools to help reduce the risk of violence in their everyday lives.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
