On January 13 the fund “Sukhumi” invited the members of women initiative groups of Kutaisi.

-How the work should be continued, what methods should be established for raising the level of women security – discussion was held round these issues.

There was defined concrete strategy.

-There are lots of problems around us, which are not comfortable for the women.

Solution of the problems is possible through their involvement and activity.

-It is necessary to continue cooperation with local government. It is necessary issue in our work.

-It is necessary to inform the society regarding the issues of local budget and different social programs.

Initiative group will continue to work according the advocacy plan.

The project is implemented with the support of Kvinna till Kvinna,

 women’s Foundation (Sweden)

In frames of 16 day campaign, the women support centers conducted mobilization meetings envisaged according the plan in the municipalities of Kutaisi, Poti, Tskaltubo, Senaki, khoni and Zugdidi. 297 beneficiaries were attracted to 33 mobilization meetings in the cities and villages by the mobilizers. They gave them information about a campaign and the activities of the fund for violence prevention.

Members of women initiative groups of Tskaltubo summarized the results of the work in previous year and discussed the strategy for the next year. During the discussion it became obvious that despite the small period, the process of advocacy was effective. The members of initiatives groups were especially active during 16 day campaign, gained experience in organization of different activities, familiarized with the problems of population. They had permanent communication with representatives of local self-government.

There was discussed the phases of advocacy and the corrections were made in the action plan. It was decided to more actively continue cooperation with local government.

On December 13 and 15 there were held ordinary meetings of women initiative groups of Kutaisi and Tskaltubo. In the first part of the meeting there was summarized the work, conducted in frames of the campaign and talked about results.

According to the group members, level of informing the population was increased. Support and inclusion of the government was underlined.

In the second part there were analyzed plans of advocating the problem. The problem of re-naming the part of the street of Zurab Chavchavadze has already passed the first phase and soon will be discussed on special commission. Decision will be known after a month.

In Tskaltubo, advocacy, of the problem regarding the transport on Rustaveli Street moved to the next phase.

Members of the women’s initiative group regularly meet the population and in parallel work on advocacy of other problems.