The Women's Fund 'Sukhumi' launched a social campaign called “Accept the Truth, Reject Gender Identity Disinformation”. Active journalists, bloggers, Mass Communication students, and activists are participating in the campaign.
The aim of the project is to combat gender identity disinformation and to increase awareness and empathy within the ethical regional media community.
On June 8 and 9, 2024, the Women's Fund 'Sukhumi' organized training for regional journalists and students from the Faculty of Journalism at Akaki Tsereteli State University on gender disinformation and gender-responsive reporting. The training aimed to increase the participants' awareness and skills in identifying gender disinformation and practicing gender-sensitive reporting.
On the first day of the training, June 8, 18 journalists from media outlets operating in Imereti, including TV, radio, online media agencies, and independent bloggers attended. On June 9, 23 first- to fourth-year students from the Faculty of Journalism at Akaki Tsereteli State University attended.
The participants evaluated the training as useful and informative. They emphasized the importance of the knowledge and skills they acquired, which they plan to use in their daily activities. Discussing real examples and practical recommendations contributed to a better understanding of the problems and helped identify effective ways to combat gender misinformation.
Training for teachers was held at the Hotel “West Tower Kutaisi”. Gender, gender-based violence, violence identification, communication with a child and referral stages, legal mechanisms and the role of teachers in violence prevention, international documents - these issues were discussed at the training. Participants represented 9 municipalities (Senaki, Terjola, Samtredia, Kutaisi, Tskaltubo, Khoni, Zugdidi, Khobi, Vani).
Participants were actively involved in training process, in discussions, and shared their experiences with each other. They were given a practical manual developed for teachers - available on the website of the Women Fund “Sukhumi”:
According to the participants, the training will help destroy gender stereotypes and prevent violence through early identification and intervention mechanisms. They will introduce gender approaches in schools and will actively participate in the process of identifying cases of violence.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
The Women's Fund "Sukhumi" launched a new campaign about gender disinformation with the slogan "Embrace the truth, reject gender disinformation."
As part of the campaign, we run an Instagram page called womenfundsukhumi. You can follow us and read our informative posts, particularly about what gender disinformation is and the myths and stereotypes that exist.
Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/womenfundsukhumi/
And on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@womenfundsukhumi?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Psychologist Manana Gotsiridze conducted rehabilitation sessions mainly online: 9 phone calls and 12 meetings on Internet platforms.
The work also took place in the office of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” - 10 psychotherapeutic consultations were held.
All beneficiaries received appropriate competent assistance, necessary information and advice. They were able to focus on the positive moments.
The psychologist actively worked in the rehabilitation center of the Fund “Sukhumi”, with three women and two children. Before leaving, one of them said: “I didn’t want to come here, but now I’m very happy. The center staff created a pleasant, warm family environment for us. A psychologist, a social worker, and a lawyer worked with us. My love for life, faith and joy returned to me. Thank you very much!"
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The monitoring group of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” started to work on a new research, the aim of which is to study the effectiveness of existing services for victims of violence against women/domestic violence and develop recommendations for improving efficiency in order to identify necessary strategies and new approaches.
Information will be collected on existing (and/or planned) services for victims of violence against women/domestic violence. The work of service providers will be presented, the attitudes, moods and expectations of recipients/beneficiaries of services will be studied. To find best practices in this regard, the monitoring team will review various documents.
In May, 10 in-depth interviews with beneficiaries were conducted, which made it possible to study the current situation in this regard based on specific cases.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Informing the public about victim support services is an important segment of the meetings of the Women Support Centers, on the basis of which cases are identified and responded. This is where women's needs are becoming obvious. The meetings have already brought results. Specific beneficiaries have appeared who are ready to receive existing services. Based on the case analysis, they were redirected in a subsequent way.
The meetings were held in Terjola, Bagdati, Kobuleti, Samtredia and Khobi municipalities. Violence prevention and victim identification remains the main direction of work of Women Support Centers.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The survey process has been actively launched among members of the Women's mutual assistance group; the survey will identify, women who want to start their own small business. The Women Fund “Sukhumi” will support the following directions: sewing and art, poultry farming, cooking, and cleaning services.
As a result of the survey, five women living in the target municipalities will receive small grants and will be able to purchase appropriate tools and equipment. Women's work will raise the self-esteem of each of them and empower their families.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
Mastering a new profession and occupational therapy are the best methods for increasing self-esteem and motivation. The day rehabilitation center of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” often makes such beneficial changes in people's lives. Having gained knowledge, women continue to work independently.
This time, under our umbrella, a new cutting and sewing course has started in Senaki municipality. The sewing salon “MK” has become a basic center for training in practical skills and a partner of the project as it has high social responsibility.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)