The women's mutual assistance group meetings took place in an unusual way. Everyone saw the results and benefits of the work. The winning initiatives, and those that did not receive funding, and future plans were discussed.

An initiative has begun in Senaki – the poultry farm will be further developed. In Khobi, motors for pumps were purchased, needed for the IDP community. In Tsalenjikha, women were given a sewing machine and a freezer – just what they wanted for their business.

In Terjola, two winners were given tools and materials needed for their micro-business. They took part in the festival – City Day – where they presented their creations: bags, brooches, collars, various accessories...

Funding of initiatives is a great incentive for mutual assistance group members. In the second stage, everyone will join because they have seen that women's mutual assistance groups are truly designed to help and strengthen each other.

The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)

Our organization carries out a charitable and humanitarian mission and, of course, provides women with various support and assistance. One of these activities is distributing mobile phones to members of women's mutual assistance groups. Today, everyone needs a mobile phone as a means of communication and a source of information.

Therefore, in October, the organization donated new mobile phones to women who had difficulty in using their phones in Senaki, Kutaisi, and Terjola. This means their communication and awareness will improve.

The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)

Women's mutual assistance groups have begun implementing initiatives.

The groups presented 18 initiatives, eight of which were funded by our organization.

In early October, the initiative authors received materials and tools, and they will begin their work.

Project Assistant Nino Chabukiani notes: "Implementing the initiatives is a great support for people from vulnerable groups. It contributes to women's economic empowerment and is a significant incentive for them and their families. Therefore, everyone who received funding is grateful to our organization. The groups have become even more motivated to work. Those who did not receive funding are now preparing for the second stage."

The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)

Mutual assistance group meetings were held in municipalities of Western Georgia according to planned. Assistant Nino Chabukiani held five meetings in Terjola, Vani, Kutaisi, Tskaltubo and Kobuleti. The remaining five meetings were organized and facilitated by the leaders, who successfully completed their tasks.

During the meetings in Zugdidi, Chokhatauri, Senaki, Tsalenjikha, and Khobi, group participants discussed issues related to the civic initiative competition. Emphasis was placed on feedback, so that they would be better prepared for the next stage.

The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)

Women's mutual - assistance groups presented 18 initiatives, seven of which received financial support from our organization.

At next group meetings, civic initiatives were discussed.

Two out of seven initiatives were from women of Terjola group. Tskaltubo group presented four initiatives, one of which received funding. This is a great incentive for them.

Kobuleti women group did not participate in the initiative competition. Unfortunately, the initiatives of Vani and Kutaisi groups did not receive funding at this stage.

At ordinary meetings, group members discussed the submitted applications to take into account the competition committee's comments and more actively engage in the next stage - developing initiatives and receiving financial support.

The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)

During the next meeting of the women's mutual assistance group in Vani, the participants shared various information with each other. One part of the meeting was devoted to digital literacy.

The group members always attend the meetings with great interest. Such meeting was held in the village Khurcha (Zugdidi municipality), Kobuleti, Chokhatauri. In accordance with the needs of the women's mutual assistance group members, sewing courses were opened in Tskaltubo, which is very important for them.

Some of the meetings - in Tskaltubo, Tsalenjikha, Terjola, Kutaisi, Senaki, Khobi - were held online, but no less active and interesting.

A psychologist participated in the meetings together with a digital literacy teacher, who gave the participants useful advice. The group members got acquainted with new materials on our web page https://sosfsokhumi.ge/ – “Digital Service Center for Women Victims of Violence”. Project Assistant Nino Chabukiani notes: “During the meetings, we talked about civil initiatives. The group members filled out questionnaires where they recorded these initiatives. They are interested in different areas of work – poultry farming, cooking, cutting and sewing. These and other areas are presented in the questionnaires. According to the women, support for their initiatives is very important.”

The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)

Where is the highest risk of domestic violence?

The map we have compiled will show you the level of violence risk in 11 target municipalities of Western Georgia.

The map of domestic violence/violence against women risk indicators was posted on our website "Digital resource center of services for women victims of violence" two years ago: https://sosfsokhumi.ge/

The map allows you to assess the risks and quality of security from domestic violence and violence against women in the municipalities of the target regions for a timely response to existing threats - https://sosfsokhumi.ge/map

The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund(Canada)

During the ordinary meetings of women's mutual assistance groups, various cases were discussed, problems and improvement of economic conditions were discussed. In Tskaltubo, women are looking for seasonal work (picking blueberries, nuts or work at seaside resorts). Some of them have such experience and recommend it to others, because additional income will solve many needs.

One of the group members in Khobi was given a smart phone, which will simplify the necessary communication for her.

The members of Kobuleti group are especially grateful to our organization, because no one has shown them so much attention.

The meeting with Chokhatauri group was held online. Psychologist of our organization participated in it. According to the participants of the mutual assistance group, the psychologist's useful advice is a serious support for them.

A great incentive for the participants of the meetings is that such groups operate in 10 municipalities and with the help of project assistant Nino Chabukiani they have the opportunity to share their experiences with each other.

The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)

The meeting of Tsalenjikha women's mutual assistance group was unusual. The meeting showed performances of the Forum Theatre of the Women Fund “Sukhumi”. Everyone saw the reasons of violence, the negative consequences and the need to eradicate it.

The meeting of Terjola group was held online. The group became stronger thanks to joint work and was able to solve some problems. New members also try to pave their own path to success.

In Senaki, the needs of the group members were identified. One of the group members was given a mobile phone. The participants of the meeting in Kutaisi got acquainted with the results of other groups.

The work in other municipalities was also interesting. The psychologist of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” was actively involved in the process, answered women's questions and gave them the necessary advice.

The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)

Some meetings of women's mutual assistance groups were held in municipalities, and some of them were held online.

In Tsalenjikha, the story of one of the women who suffered violence was voiced. It is planned to discuss a new case and provide assistance. New participants were added to the group in Terjola. During a meeting in Tskaltubo, women discussed their needs. Their desire is to organize cutting, sewing and polymer clay courses. This will contribute to their economic empowerment.

The involvement of a psychologist gives the meetings a special effect, since each participant needs competent advice.

The group members are confident that together, with mutual assistance, they will solve many problems.

The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)