The monitoring and advocacy group of the Women Fund "Sukhumi" formed advocacy groups in 10 target municipalities of Western Georgia (Tskaltubo, Khoni, Terjola, Vani, Samtredia, Senaki, Khobi, Chokhatauri, Tsalenjikha, Zugdidi - the village Khurcha), whose members are active women of the communities.

The meetings were devoted to identifying and ranking issues for advocacy. The group members were informed that within the framework of the project they have the opportunity to present "civil initiatives" through which they can solve a specific problem with the help of financial support.

Important problems for local communities were identified, which could not be resolved due to lack of finance.

At the meetings it was noted that the implementation of these initiatives will allow to solve specific problems in the communities and will increase the awareness of the advocacy groups.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

Borjomi hosted two training sessions for women leaders and activists from the Samegrelo and Imereti regions on the topic: “Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence in War and Post-Conflict Settings.”  These two training sessions were conducted as part of a project implemented in partnership with the WAVE Network and with the support of the OSCE-WIN Project, bringing together 30 women leaders.

On the first day, participants delved into how wars and conflicts disproportionately affect women and girls, examining the forms of violence most used against them. They were also introduced to global statistics on gender-based violence during conflicts. Following the presentations, participants identified the different dimensions of gender-based violence in conflict settings and its severe impacts on various vulnerable groups. Through group work, they explored the long-term effects of conflicts, which have a profound impact on women’s and girls’ psychosocial well-being, disrupting their ability to lead fulfilling lives.

The information on key actors responsible for protecting women and girls at both the national and international levels sparked great interest among the participants. The theoretical segment was followed by the analysis of a real-life case study, where participants identified the responsible actors and discussed strategies for preventing violence and responding effectively.

An informational meeting on the topic of civil war was held in the IDP settlement on 58 Chavachavadze Street.

Women and girls who participated in the meeting discussed the identified problems related to the failure of the drainage system of the sports ground. Also, children's entertainment equipment is depreciated, which poses a threat to children's games.

Women are active and try to create a safe environment in their village through advocacy, using forms of civic engagement.

The project is implemented with the support of  USAID local governance program

Stray dogs, the need for street lighting, a pedestrian path, a sidewalk, and restraining barriers - these problems were discussed by women living in different residential houses buildings on 53 Shervashidze Street, Kutaisi.

A member of the initiative group, Rimma Kalandia, who has attended training on advocacy issues, has met with women from the IDP settlement for the third time, she shares her knowledge and experience and calls for increased civic responsibility.

- Yes, we are often disappointed, but despite this, we must actively engage in advocacy for the community problems and seek their solution, - noted the meeting participants.

The project is implemented with the support of  USAID local governance program

A working meeting with women and girls of the third and fourth initiative groups was held at the office of the Women Fund "Sukhumi".

The participants spoke about the dynamics of the advocacy process, about completed and unfinished work, and identified new problems that they plan to solve within the framework of this project.

The members of the initiative group also noted the changes and skills that they acquired during the project.

The project is implemented with the support of  USAID local governance program

Members of the first initiative group gathered in the office of the Women Fund "Sukhumi". They talked about how they became active within the framework of the project, how the advocacy process is going and what results they have achieved.

It was noted that activity is necessary. It was difficult for them on their own, but with the support of the Women Fund "Sukhumi" they were able to move some problematic issues forward and received promises from competent persons.

The women also discussed their plans for the future and, having extensive experience, identified new problems for the advocacy.

The women initiative group sent an official letter to the Chairman of Kutaisi City Council. The letter has already received a response - calls, meetings, clarifications, and the group members are waiting for specific answers regarding their problems.

The project is implemented with the support of  USAID local governance program

A joint meeting was held in the office of the Women Fund "Sukhumi", where active women members of two (second and third) initiative groups summed up the results of advocacy.

They expressed gratitude for the trainings conducted within the framework of the project. They noted that they became more active, strengthened and had an incentive to independently determine the priority problems of the community and find ways to solve them. They admitted that they were able to solve many issues thanks to the project of the Fund "Sukhumi" - benches were installed in the settlement, the roof was changed, permission was received to build a mini-stadium in the yard...

Everyone saw that diligence, teamwork and activity are the most important in a common work. During the meeting, they also discussed plans and new problems in order to begin advocating for them. Regarding their problems, the women initiative group sent an official letter to the Chairman of Kutaisi City Council. The corresponding response has already been received, and they will receive a specific answer in the near future.

The project is implemented with the support of  USAID local governance program

A member of the initiative group disseminated information on forms of civil participation in Kutaisi, on Ioseliani Street 13. By sharing this information, she tries to involve citizens in advocacy of problems.

As a result of active meetings and participation in advocacy, women are empowered and already have the skills to contact the relevant departments to solve their problems.

The project is implemented with the support of  USAID local governance program

The acceptance of entries for our journalistic contest, "Ethical Coverage of Gender Identity Disinformation and Violence Against Women," has ended. The jury is currently in the process of evaluation. The jury panel consists of the following members:

• Eka Pkhakadze – Journalist, TV "Formula," correspondent for Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi, and Kvemo Svaneti
• Zeko Khachidze – Blogger, founder of "Civil Theater"
• Moreta Bobokhidze – Expert in gender equality and human rights
• Ana Tavkhelidze – Human rights lawyer
• Vero Melua – Feminist activist, co-founder of the feminist platform femea.ge

We would like to thank all participants for their time, attention, and participation. We wish each of them the best of luck!

This competition is organized as part of the project "Changing Narratives: Fighting Gender Identity Disinformation for an Informed, Sensitive Society and Ethical Regional Media."

Within the framework of the "Civil Initiative", IDPs living in Kutaisi on Chavchavadze Street No. 58 purchased a combined petrol mower, devices for processing grass and trees.

As a result of the civil initiative, living conditions in the settlement will improve and become safer.

The project is implemented with the support

 of the UN Women organization