The members of the women initiative group of the village of Pakhulani - Tsalenjikha municipality talked about the resolution of the issues that were identified as a result of the research. They noted that the activities planned according to the advocacy plan are successfully implemented, which is important in the process of problem solution.
The Women Fund “Sukhumi” has prepared and published the "Annual Report 2023". As mentioned in the introduction, in 2023 we implemented 12 projects aimed at women’s well-being.
Project: “Strengthening of Women’s Rights in Western Georgia” - Women Support Centers and Youth Empowerment Centers in 10 municipalities, rehabilitation center in Kutaisi, day rehabilitation centers, forum theater, monitoring and advocacy (with the support of the organization Brot für die Welt – Germany)
The project “Digital Resource Centre for Victims of Violence” - women's mutual assistance groups in 10 municipalities, the web page “Digital Resource Centre for Victims of Violence (with the support of the Gender Equality Fund - Canada).
The project “Bridging the Gap: People-to-People Initiatives for Conflict Resolution” – work with women and youth, medical and economic components (with the support of USAID and in partnership with the Association “Peaceful and Business Caucasus”).
The project “Strengthening the Women’s Voices” informational work on the important role of civil society organizations, in particular the Women Fund “Sukhumi” (with the support of the Urgent Action Fund For the Protection of Women’s Rights).
A new training course has started for the women from Terjola - practical work is held at the aesthetic center “Sofiana” under the guidance of its founder, cosmetologist Sophia Bandzeladze.
Beneficiaries of the day rehabilitation center will study classical cosmetology, face skin types, associated diseases, care, cleansing, mezotherapy, chemical peeling and face massage.
According to the experience of the Women Fund “Sukhumi”, this training course will give Terjola women a new professional skill that they can turn into an own business.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
30 medical workers (from Kutaisi, Tskaltubo, Senaki, Chokhatauri, Terjola, Samtredia municipalities) attended the training, which was held in Tskaltubo.
The topic of the training was “The role of medical staff in violence prevention and victim protection”. Using a variety of methods, participants discussed the different issues, including: violence against women and children, the Istanbul Convention, referral mechanisms, victim identification groups...
According to them, this work is relevant and necessary:
“For me, as a doctor, the training was interesting. The information received, the interesting methods and the environment were productive"...
“The training format allowed us to talk about the reasons of the problem, to analyze when we behave correctly and incorrectly. It is necessary for medical staff to understand their direct responsibility".
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
An online information meeting was held with members of Khoni Women’s Network. The participants highlighted important problems of the local community that will be resolved through civil initiatives with the support of the Women Fund “Sukhumi”.
During the meeting, problems were ranked by priority. It was decided that network members would inform the IDP community about their decision, after which they would develop an application and submit it for funding.
The project is implemented with the support
of the UN Women organization
720 IDP families live in 4 new houses on 53 Shervashidze Street, Kutaisi (2 more buildings will be added in the near future).
Women talk about a dangerous open channel. The channel is dangerous for the population. Reptiles often appear. There was a case when a ball fell into a channel and it caused dangerous situation for the children. There are no protective dams round the channel, so it is easy to fall into it. During strong winds, the channel fills with garbage, and during heavy rains, water flows out of the channel.
Women are also concerned about speeding vehicles, which is why they are calling for a mandatory stop line at crossings.
Members of the initiative group, trained in advocacy, share their experiences with the people living there and encourage everyone to increase their civic responsibility.
The project is implemented with the support of USAID local governance program
Nino Gorgodze is one of those young people who continue active meetings in their communities about forms of civic engagement and its necessity. The problem of internally displaced persons living on Nikea Street No. 21 is the damp walls of the building, which are more damaged during heavy rains and pose a threat to the health of people and the building itself. In order to solve the identified problem, the group members prepare a letter and meetings with the relevant departments are planned. The meetings are coordinated by an active member of the initiative group.
The project is implemented with the support of USAID local governance program
This Guide for Journalists - "Standards for Responsible Reporting on Violence Against Women", prepared by the Women Fund "Sukhumi", provides practical advice and best practices for reporting on gender-based violence (GBV) survivors and women activists. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding victim-blaming language, respecting privacy and dignity, highlighting strength and resilience, and promoting zero tolerance toward GBV within society. The guide also addresses how to avoid gendered stereotypes and prioritize professional achievements over personal lives when covering stories about women defenders and activists.
By following these guide, journalists can ensure their reporting is ethical, empathetic, and contributes to a culture of understanding and support for women's rights and gender equality.
The members of Tskaltubo youth group started the meeting by evaluating project activities. The leaders presented the work done with the help of presentations and discussed the results. Especially the polarization of peaceful topics was identified. Against the background of high interest, they plan to continue working on these issues. Based on the advocacy plan, the Women Initiative Group will try to solve the identified problems with various activities. The participants have received specific tasks, which will become a guarantee of effective advocacy.
