On June 27-29, a training on “Gender Sensitive Local Social Policy” was held in Borjomi.

The training was attended by representatives of 10 municipalities of Western Georgia (Senaki, Zugdidi, Terjola, Tsalenjikha, Kobuleti, Samtredia, Vani, Bagdati, Tkibuli, Chokhatauri). The following issues were discussed: violence against women and domestic violence, as well as gender policy and local gender needs. Practical work – elaboration of model action plan and their presentation was carried out.

On the last day, representatives of Zugdidi, Chokhatauri, Senaki and Bagdati municipalities exchanged the best practices, experience, innovative programs in social directions, as well as in the field of health care, violence prevention and victims assistance.

Meetings of the mixed-type were held with youth groups in June. 5 trainings were held in the first half of the month, the other five - in the second half.

An offline meeting was held in Samtredia - the participants were actively involved in the discussion, role - games.

There was no possibility of such activity, but online trainings with youth groups formed in Senaki, Vani, Terjola and Chokhatauri.

The trainings were interesting for the youth audience. The following topics were discussed: conflict management, reasons of domestic violence and protection mechanisms, types and forms of bullying.

There was a good trend in the groups: participants spoke by their own examples, analyzed situations and made the right conclusions.

The day rehabilitation center resumed its active work. At the end of May, new groups were composed - one part of women is studying the work with polymer clay, and the second will pass accounting courses.

The experience of the day center has shown its effectiveness. Occupational therapy is very important for women who are the victims of violence. It increases employment prospects. Along with studying the new profession, the beneficiaries have the opportunity to receive psychological and legal consultations and rehabilitation.

The Fund "Sukhumi" Puppet Theater held two performances in June.

The first performance was held on June 1 - International Children's Day - in the yard of the Fund “Sukhumi” office.

The second one was held on June 20 - International Day of IDPs - in Kutaisi Boulevard.

The audience liked "Turtledove" - a new version of the Georgian fairy tale. Interesting decorations, strange dolls, music, sounds ...

The work of the director Magda Chikhladze and young actors showed good results: joy and interest of small audience, positive evaluation of parents. "Turtledove" teaches children love, friendship, support, tolerance.

Mobilizers of Women Support Centers held information meetings in different communities. The meetings inform the population about the issues related to violence. Participants listen to information: what does the law on domestic violence envisage, whom to address in case of violence, what response mechanisms exist. They get acquainted to victim assistance services.

Meetings were held in Vani, Bagdati, Chokhatauri, Tsalenjikha, Tkibuli municipalities.

Specific cases of violence were identified at informational meetings. The response continues in accordance with the content of the cases, with the involvement of a psychologist and a lawyer of the Fund "Sukhumi".

With the assistance of representatives of the City Hall youth services and educational resource centers of Tkibuli, Zugdidi, Bagdati, Tsalenjikha and Kobuleti, the Fund “Sukhumi” conducted 5 trainings in youth centers on the topics of conflict escalation, reasons of domestic violence and cyber-bullying.

According the instructions of the trainers, the participants played role-games, which was followed with discussions and they expressed their opinions. The training revealed active young people, leaders who expressed a desire to carry out informational meetings. Some of them have already independently held a meeting and shared their experience with their peers. 

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

The gender Council of Kobuleti municipality, organized a round table on "Prevention of violence and protection of violence victims, social cooperation and referencing" in partnership with the Fund "Sukhumi" and the participation of governmental structures and social institutions. The cases of violence against women and domestic violence were discussed. The guests invited by the Fund "Sukhumi" - representatives of Senaki municipality shared their experience with their colleagues from Kobuleti in the field of children’s rights protection.

The participants of the meeting analyzed the situation in terms of violence and identified the prospects for social cooperation.

The Fund “Sukhumi” conducted the round table in Samtredia municipality with participation of representatives of local referral entities. The meeting discussed issues of violence prevention and protection of victims, the situation in terms of violence and social cooperation. The attention was paid to the problem of domestic violence and the prospects for cooperation with local structures.

According to the meeting participants, joint activities can identify problems, as a result, the level of their solution and prevention will increase.

The biggest challenge was the attitude of society towards the problem of violence. The need for information and educational work and activation of the municipal gender council in this regard was highlighted.

Psycho-legal mechanisms for the response to violence cases, victim assistance services - informational meetings on these issues were held in Terjola, Samtredia, Kobuleti, Zugdidi and Senaki municipalities.

During the meetings with the representatives of different communities, the Fund "Sukhumi" also identifies the cases of violence. The response mechanisms are different: a consultation of psychologist and a lawyer is used. Authoritative parsons are involved in solution of conflict situation. These tools increase efficiency.

Information about the new website "Digital Resource Center of the Services for Violence Victims" http://gbvdigitalresourcecenter.ge/ was spread during the meetings. This page provides full information on victim support services.

Participants note that informing the population is important and will help prevent violence.

On June 1, a meeting of the mobilizers from Kutaisi, Vani, Terjola, Bagdati, Tkibuli, Senaki, Chokhatauri, Kobuleti, Tsalenjikha, Zugdidi Women Support Centers was held. The participants of the meeting summarized the month's work: they exchanged information and talked about the difficulties they meet in the field in terms of identifying the problem of violence.

At the end of the meeting, the participants discussed the plan for the next month. Their suggestions are reflected in the working module, which will increase the efficiency of the work.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)