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)
Four meetings were held with women activists from the Women Support Centers of Senaki, Tskaltubo, Tsalenjikha and Zugdidi (village Khurcha).
The meeting participants got acquainted with our new research "Gender aspects of women's migration". After the presentation, there was held a discussion on - how the socio-economic and legal status and intersectional vulnerability factors influence migration decisions.
Fragments from the participants' speeches:
"Migration is a serious problem of our time - due to economic factors or vulnerability. Many people have emigrated, and this problem affects women the most".
"Women are forced to emigrate because there is no way out, and ultimately our reality is the following: family alienation and generations, growing up without mothers."
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Discussions on the psychosocial, economic, legal, structural aspects of migration and its prevention were held with women groups of Khoni and Khobi municipalities. They were familiarized with the results of the research of the Charitable Humanitarian Women Fund “Sukhumi”, and discussed ways to prevent migration and reduce its negative consequences.
The women had visions based on their life experience about how important it is and what needs to be done to reduce migration and mitigate its consequences, reintegrate women in emigration and improve the psychosocial climate in their families.
They believe that they have the resources to implement small civil initiatives and can initiate meetings on migration risks, for example, with discussions based on real stories. Particular interest was expressed in raising awareness of possible negative changes in the emotional and behavioral state of children, as they see many negative examples that worsen the climate of families and, in general, society. Specific ideas will be discussed at future meetings.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The project "Women Act for Peace and Strengthening Local Communities" is implemented by a coalition of NGOs - the Association of IDP Women "Consent", the Women's Information Center and the Charitable Humanitarian Women Fund “Sukhumi”.
The activities are attended by IDPs (living in IDP settlements or collective centers), women and youth living in villages along the dividing line from 15 target municipalities: Kareli, Gori, Kaspi, Khashuri, Tetritskaro, Gardabani, Tskaltubo, Kutaisi, Khoni, Sachkhere, Poti, Zugdidi, Tsalenjikha, Senaki, Mestia.
Our target municipalities are: Kutaisi, Tskaltubo, Khoni, Senaki and Poti.
The project aims to promote public initiatives through the formation and support of mutual assistance groups in order to improve the social and economic situation of communities affected by the conflict. In addition, it is planned to strengthen the organizational structure of the Network of Women and Youth - Peace Ambassadors.
The project is implemented with the support
of the UN Women organization
Fund “Sukhumi” Participated in a Masterclass on Digital Inclusion in Tallinn
27.05.25
Linda Chikhladze, representing the Fund “Sukhumi,” was one of ten participants from Georgia who took part in a two-day masterclass held in Tallinn, Estonia, aimed at promoting digital awareness and inclusion in Georgia’s regions, especially rural communities. The event introduced participants to service design methodology and focused on identifying the key barriers vulnerable groups face in accessing digital services. For Linda, the experience was a significant step in her professional and personal development, reinforcing the importance of the Fund’s approach, that technology must be designed based on real human needs. Alongside the masterclass, the Georgian delegation also had the opportunity to attend the high-level e-Governance Conference – #eGov2025.
An interesting discussion was held with a group of women from Khoni IDP settlement. The topic of conversation was the psychosocial, economic, legal and structural aspects of migration. The participants shared their views on what impacts the scale of migration, what are its social consequences and side effects, and what can be done to prevent migration.
"When, according to statistics, 43% of immigrants in recent years are children under 15, of course, there are real reasons for concern."
"10-15 years ago there was a big wave of migration in Khoni. There are no women left who could leave. Now it is more of a migration of young people."
"They leave, and factually no one comes back."
"To prevent migration, we must familiarize society with its social consequences. Let's think together what people, especially women, need to avoid this step."
Many specific ideas were expressed regarding areas where real employment opportunities for women should appear and conditions for their support should be created.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
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)
At the Gelati Residence, over thirty students from Akaki Tsereteli State University and high school students came together to discuss:
- How can we talk about difficult topics without losing the ability to listen and understand?
- How can we prevent conflict and avoid unnecessary tension?
This workshop wasn’t just about theory - far from it!
Participants shared real-life stories and personal experiences, engaging in open, and at times, intense and emotional conversations.
One student shared their reflection:
“In today’s reality, where widespread gender stereotypes and misinformation hinder the advancement of equality in society, it’s crucial to develop effective ways of dealing with them. For many people, these stereotypes are a part of daily life, and without proper communication, they’re nearly impossible to change. Navigating tough conversations in a constructive way is essential. I believe workshops like this really help strengthen these skills and empower us to challenge gender stereotypes more effectively.”
On April 3, via Zoom, 67 students from 10 municipalities in western Georgia (Chokhatauri, Kobuleti, Tskaltubo, Kutaisi, Khoni, Terjola, Samtredia, Senaki, Zugdidi, Tsalenjikha) participated in the workshop “How to Navigate Difficult Dialogues.” The session aimed to build skills for engaging in constructive conversations and avoiding conflict when speaking with people who hold different perspectives.
The main topics of the workshop included:
• Distinguishing between stereotypes, disinformation, and accurate information
• Five practical strategies for navigating difficult dialogues
• An interactive game: “How to Survive the Family Dinner” - https://survivefamilydinner.ge/how-to-play/
Even in an online format, the workshop was lively and interactive — students actively shared their personal experiences, asked questions, and reflected throughout the session.
“This was a powerful experience. I realized I can become the best version of myself and express my thoughts clearly. Now I feel confident to stand up for myself and for others who are being bullied. Thank you for creating such an interesting, impactful, and meaningful project!” — Student from Samtredia Municipality
