Based on the findings of our monitoring report, "Why do Women Leave?" (https://fsokhumi.ge/index.php/ka/publikacia/informatia-zaladobis-tsinaagmdeg/item/15769-2025-07-08-16-30-02), the monitoring and advocacy group held a series of discussions and consultative meetings in collaboration with community leaders and youth in ten municipalities and then developed civic initiatives:
Zugdidi (village Khurcha) - "Information Campaign on Migration in Three Villages of Zugdidi Municipality"
Senaki - "Economic Empowerment of Women for Migration Prevention"
Vani - "Information for Women Empowerment"
Chokhatauri - "Together We Will Overcome Everything"
Khoni - "Common Initiatives to Prevent Migration"
Khobi - "Intergenerational Dialogue to Prevent Migration"
The photos clearly demonstrate how impressive is the work done on these initiatives. In Chokhatauri, a space for informal meetings to continue the dialogue was created. A children's corner wasa opened in the Khoni community education center, allowing children to have fun while their parents study. In Khobi, the organization “Toliskuri” purchased books and opened a reading club as part of the initiative. In Khurcha, women already have their own printer, enabling them to print informational and other necessary materials. Manicure classes were opened in Seneki.
The goals of the initiatives are to raise awareness on the social and emotional consequences of migration, reduce the negative impact of migration, promote healthy relationships between adolescents and migrant parents, strengthen the practical skills of IDP women, and expand employment opportunities.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The psychologist of the organization met with women's groups at the Women Support Centers of Khoni, Senaki, and Tskaltubo. The topic of the meetings was violence, and the goal was to inform participants about violence prevention and support mechanisms. Participants received individual and group consultation and discussed steps that can promote women's safety.
Further similar meetings are planned.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Mobilization meetings of Women Support Centers covered new beneficiaries. Participants learned about the Fund “Sukhumi” website, "Digital Resource Center for Women Survivors of Violence." Information about women's economic empowerment programs and victim support services was of particular interest.
"Such useful information must be provided to all women, as they are interested in it. Therefore, information dissemination must continue," the beneficiaries noted.
In parallel with the information campaign, new families under the risk were identified through monitoring in the Women Support Centers of Senaki, Khobi, and Tsalenjikha. Based on the case studies, mobilizers and paraprofessionals will initially work closely with these families. Then a psychologist will continue the work to address the risks of conflict.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
How relevant is the topic of domestic violence in society? What are the needs of families under the risk? What types of support are important? These questions were discussed during informational meetings held at Women Support Centers.
Participants recalled specific cases and emphasized the difficult situation for women when the rapist has mental health problems. According to them in such cases, women are under particular risk and find it difficult to overcome the problem.
Participants also discussed the need to work with the rapist, noting the high level of aggression in society, which is demonstrated in family conflicts.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The women's mutual assistance group meetings took place in an unusual way. Everyone saw the results and benefits of the work. The winning initiatives, and those that did not receive funding, and future plans were discussed.
An initiative has begun in Senaki – the poultry farm will be further developed. In Khobi, motors for pumps were purchased, needed for the IDP community. In Tsalenjikha, women were given a sewing machine and a freezer – just what they wanted for their business.
In Terjola, two winners were given tools and materials needed for their micro-business. They took part in the festival – City Day – where they presented their creations: bags, brooches, collars, various accessories...
Funding of initiatives is a great incentive for mutual assistance group members. In the second stage, everyone will join because they have seen that women's mutual assistance groups are truly designed to help and strengthen each other.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
How important are the informational meetings held at Women Support Centers? How do women use the information they receive? What difficulties do they face, and what support do they need? - Women who participated in the meetings answered these and other questions.
- Receiving and using information serves to violence prevention. Therefore, we strive to disseminate all information and provide it to those who truly need it, - was mentioned during the meetings.
Participants also discussed women's needs. Migration, youth unemployment, and high levels of aggression in society are pressing issues for them.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Our organization carries out a charitable and humanitarian mission and, of course, provides women with various support and assistance. One of these activities is distributing mobile phones to members of women's mutual assistance groups. Today, everyone needs a mobile phone as a means of communication and a source of information.
Therefore, in October, the organization donated new mobile phones to women who had difficulty in using their phones in Senaki, Kutaisi, and Terjola. This means their communication and awareness will improve.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
In October, women from one of Samegrelo municipalities visited our rehabilitation center.
They worked with a psychologist, a lawyer, and a social worker. The psychologist met them frequently and held sessions, so she can tell us more:
"Through daily communication, their inner personality gradually opened up. They said they had never spoken out loud about the problems they had carried within for years. One of them had been conditioned to obey since childhood, and now, as an adult, she clearly understands the harm this unspoken obedience has caused, but she can't change anything..."
I listened to her story, and she felt relieved. She didn't want the conversation to end because she was listened."
The women left notes. Fragments from their letters:
"The place where I rest is a spiritual paradise"...
"I think how wonderful life would be if I lived differently"...
"This is a place where I could think about a happy future and, I think, I will definitely free myself from the memories of the past. I love you"...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The "students" began their training with great interest.
At the request of activists of Senaki Women Support Center, a day center was opened. There are participants who have begun to study sewing and cutting.
The training is held in Senaki Community Educational Center (located in the IDP settlement – the former military town of Senaki).
The basic course will last two months, after which the women will have new employment opportunities.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
