In frames of a 16-day international campaign, the Women Fund “Sukhumi” delivered a group of doctors to the IDP settlements of Zugdidi (on Lagidze and Baramia streets). Free consultations were provided to women by a therapist, gynecologist and mammologist. Women living in villages along the conflict dividing line also took part in the activity.

Information leaflets, calendars and brochures “Prevention of Domestic Violence” were distributed to the participants. They attentively listened to the advice of doctors that they need to take care of themselves, that hiding the facts of violence negatively affects the health and psychological condition of women.

It was nice to hear feedback from women who participated in the action:

“A very necessary event, thanks to the organizers.”

“I came for prevention and received more services than I expected.”

“If I came to Kutaisi, I would spent a lot of money, but here is an assistance completely free of charge”.

The campaign is supported by the European Union and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in frames of the EU4Dialogue project.

The Women Fund “Sukhumi” continues medical campaigns for women. Women's Health Center “Hera” conducts cancer screening as part of the state program. Free screenings include: breast cancer screening for women aged 40–70 and mammograms.

This time the action was held in Tsalenjikha. The women received free medical consultations and screening.

Deputy Mayor of Tsalenjikha Municipality Tamar Belkania observed the progress of the medical action and expressed gratitude for such a useful event.

The campaign is supported by the European Union and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in frames of the EU4Dialogue project.

The State Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality of Georgia, Thea Akhvlediani, conducted a meeting with members of the "Consultative Council of Experts Working on Reconciliation and Engagement Policy Issues" and the "Consultative Platform on Strengthening the Effective Participation of Women in the Peacebuilding Process," established through the agency's initiative. Ekaterine Gamakharia, the head of the Tbilisi office of the Women's Fund "Sukhumi," participated in the meeting.

Members of the Council and the platform shared their perspectives on taking essential steps to enhance the effectiveness of peace policy. The representative of the Fund "Sukhumi" underscored the importance of organizing thematic meetings within the platform and advocated for an increase in their frequency. This approach would provide participants with the opportunity to discuss issues in a more thorough and timely manner. The representative also highlighted the necessity of involving various sectoral agencies in these thematic meetings to improve the quality and timeliness of responses to concerns raised by the civil sector regarding peace initiatives and the interests and needs of people affected by the conflict.

The UN Open Day on Women, Peace, and Security was held, serving as a platform for dialogue between representatives of UN agencies and civil society, displaced and conflict-affected women and youth. The event aimed to exchange information about the needs and challenges on the ground.

In the mentioned meeting, the Women's Fund "Sukhumi" was represented by leaders of displaced and conflict-affected women, with whom the organization has been workind for years. Our goal is to actively involve women in the empowerment process and address existing problems.

Online practical training was provided for moderators of Women's support groups affiliated with the Women's Fund "Sukhumi." The session focused on the crucial topic of the preventing and responding to GBV during the war and in post-war settings. Ekaterine Gamakharia, the head of the Tbilisi office of Women's Fund Sukhumi, led the training session.

During the training, participants gained insights into typical forms of gender-based violence during war and conflict. They engaged in discussions regarding the direct and indirect impacts of armed/violent conflicts on women, girls, and other vulnerable groups.

In Chisinau, Moldova, Ekaterine Gamakharia, Head of the Women Fund "Sukhumi" representative office in Tbilisi, was honored to lead the Fireside event at a workshop with the inspiring Women's Advisory Board (WAB) for the Moldova Peace Talks, organized by the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA) and UN Women. The workshop aimed at empowering WAB members with enhanced advocacy and negotiation skills, specifically addressing the Transnistrian Settlement Process. During the Fireside event, Ekaterine shared experiences of women activists' involvement in Georgia's peace processes, providing a detailed overview of the dynamic of cooperation between peace talks delegates and women's organizations. The session was open, interactive, and filled with enriching discussions.

"I believe in the power of shared experiences and knowledge exchange. Moldovan and Georgian women peace activists can learn from each other, reinforcing our collective commitment to building a more peaceful and inclusive world," said Ekaterine, reflecting on her visit.

An information-sharing meeting was held with participants from the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) and civil society representatives. Ekaterine Gamakharia, the head of the Tbilisi office of the Women's Fund "Sukhumi," along with women community leaders residing in the conflict's dividing line, participated in the meeting.

During the discussion, representatives of non-governmental organizations focusing on women's issues, along with conflict-affected women, including those residing in villages near the dividing line and displaced women, delved into a comprehensive analysis of the current situation in regions not controlled by Georgia. The conversation also covered villages located near the conflict's dividing line, humanitarian challenges faced by the local population, and the specific needs of conflict-affected women. The women emphasized the heightened sense of physical danger prevalent among the population near the dividing line, particularly following the incident where a Georgian citizen was killed by Russian border guards. Additionally, there was recognition of a concerning trend in the deterioration of mental and psychological health within the community. The discussion also brought attention to the poor socio-economic conditions and the lack of access to basic needs and services in the affected areas.

 During the meeting of two women initiative groups of Khoni, the women talked about the dynamics of advocacy and planned activities for the 16-day campaign against gender-based violence. "Peace and Peaceful Youth Initiatives" was the topic of the training, which was held with the members of the youth group of Khoni Municipality. The participants talked about what peace is associated with and whether they feel safe and secure in the current situation. They also emphasized the youth peace initiatives and their responsibility in the peace building process.

The training on the topic: "Peace, the role of young people in peace activities" was held with the members of Tskaltubo youth group. The participants talked about the importance of peace and their own role using group and role-playing games. Based on the advocacy plan, the members of the women initiative group organized a meeting with the doctors. Students from different schools attended the meeting. What does addiction mean and how marijuana and different types of drugs affect human health - the participants received comprehensive information on these issues.

The project is coming to an end, but the group members continue to conduct activities. During the next meeting of Tskaltubo Women Initiative Group, the participants talked about future plans that are related to strengthening the IDP community and solving priority problems.

The role of women in peace and security is particularly important. Empowering women provides more inclusive approach to the needs of internally displaced people. This was well demonstrated during the project implementation by identifying problems and solving some of them.

The project is implemented with the support

 of the UN Women organization