This policy brief presents the findings of a quantitative research study conducted by The Women's Fund "Sukhumi" in 10 targeted municipalities from March to May 2024. The study, which included 1027 female respondents, address the availability of support services for victims of violence and the level of women’s awareness regarding these services. The study results show that in 2023 and 2024, the index of women who are uninformed or less informed about services is almost identical, at approximately 39%. Relatively high level of awareness of state shelters and Legal Aid Services was found, with approximately 37-46% of cases. The main sources of information about support services for victims of violence are non-governmental organizations and social networks. 46.1% of women – representatives of vulnerable group, have limited or no access to support services (a decrease of 9% compared to last year). Access to services is primarily hindered by limited and inadequate transport infrastructure (26.4%), as well as by lack of information about available services and unqualified or poor-quality services (approximately 25%).
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
This policy brief presents the findings of a quantitative research study conducted by The Women's Fund "Sukhumi" in 10 targeted municipalities from March to May 2024. The study, which included 1027 female respondents, examined victims of violence seeking support services. The document focuses on the importance of identifying incidents of violence at an early stage and reducing its impact through applying to services. According to the study results, between 2023 and 2024, 16% of the women surveyed did not seek any support services. Overall, the highest applying rates in 2024 were reported to police (112) and the hotline (116 006) (approximately 45-38% of cases). "Stigma and fear of public judgment" (27.9% of cases) are the leading reasons for not contacting any support services in cases of violence.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
On June 28, 2024, the representative of the Women’s Fund "Sukhumi" Tbilisi office participated in an international conference organized by the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia. The conference focused on "Strengthening the Participation of Women in Peace and Security Processes." The event was opened by Mr. Alexander Vinikov, Head of the NATO Liaison Office, and Mrs. Marie-Doha Besancenot, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy (remotely). Discussions covered topics such as "The Women’s Roles in Building and Sustaining Peace: International Best Practices and Local Experiences” and "Implementation of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security: Progress and Challenges in Women’s Participation."
The conference concluded with a roundtable discussion featuring reports from representatives of women’s non-governmental organizations in the South Caucasus, including Ekaterine Gamakharia, Head of the Tbilisi office of the Women’s Fund "Sukhumi." During the discussion, the speakers addressed the current challenges faced by peacebuilders in the South Caucasus and explored strategies to enhance the fulfillment of obligations related to the "Women, Peace, and Security" agenda.
A working meeting of the IDP community was held in Kutaisi, in house No. 4 on 13/4 Ioseliani Street. The women informed that the issue of the problematic roof was gradually being resolved, work had begun, but the external façade and damp walls still remained a problem for them.
This time members of the initiative group, who acquire knowledge of advocacy issues after our trainings, share their experience with community members to increase civic responsibility.
Meeting participants talk about the need for unity, teamwork and preservation of common property.
The project is implemented with the support of USAID local governance program
The second phase of the coalition project “IDP and Conflict Affected Women and Youth for Localizing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda at the Local Level” was launched In June. The project is supported by the UN Women and resources from the the UK Government’s Conflict, Stability and Security Fund.
During the previous project period, a network of women IDPs was created. The new project envisages strengthening and expanding the capabilities of the “Network of Women and Youth Peace Ambassadors”. And also - support for initiatives of network members that will be aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of IDP and Conflict Affected Women and Girls, advocating for their needs and including them in relevant programs and budgets.
In order to get acquainted with the goals of the project and planned activities, information meetings were held in Kutaisi, Tskaltubo, Khoni, Senaki and Zugdidi. Members of the “Network of Women and Youth Peace Ambassadors” took part in the meetings. The meetings also identified important issues of these communities.
The project is implemented with the support
of the UN Women organization
The forum theater performances were held in Kutaisi Youth Center. The topic of migration, which, according to viewers, is an acute problem for society, caused active discussion. Rehearsals of the new scenarios are currently underway, and it is also important that the number of volunteers has increased.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The work of the Women Support Centers shjould identify the families under the relationship crisis. Information about women's rights and conflict management issues is preventive measure and reduces the risk of violence.
New beneficiaries are added to meetings every month, also the number of people using the services of a psychologist has also increased. All this contributes to the creation of a non-violent environment in society.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The Women's Fund "Sukhumi" presents its new information brochure: "Gender Disinformation - Features, Tactics and Detection Methods", which shows how false and inaccurate information is used to discredit, intimidate, and silence women, especially those active in the public sphere. The brochure outlines key characteristics and common tactics of gender disinformation, such as spreading gender stereotypes, victim-blaming, and attacking women's intellectual abilities. Additionally, the brochure provides practical advice on identifying and countering gender misinformation through source verification, cross-referencing with independent sources, and using reliable fact-checking websites.
A series of information meetings, held by active members of the initiative group, continues in Kutaisi.
The construction of a mini - stadium is a problem that was identified by the IDP community living in the building of a former pharmacy on Tabukashvili Street. Women trained at the Women Fund “Sukhumi” work on this issue. They also have information about forms of civic engagement and share it with others. They have prepared a letter to submit to the City Hall and are waiting for a response. Women know that they can change their social conditions.
The project is implemented with the support of USAID local governance program
