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
The Women Fund “Sukhumi”, with the support of the Canada Equality Fund and the German organization Bread for the World, organized a conference on the topic: "Prevention of violence against women and response with a community-based approach - practice and impact mechanisms".
The conference was opened by Ekaterine Gamakharia, head of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” Tbilisi office. The chairperson of the Women Fund “Sukhumi”, Alla Gamakharia, greeted the participants with a welcoming speech. Tea Torinava, executive director of the organization, spoke about the Digital Resource Center - the experience of providing services and empowering women who have experienced violence.
The conference was attended by mobilizers of Women Support Centres from 10 municipalities, members of women's mutual assistance groups, para-specialists of social work and representatives of civil society organisations working on women's rights.
Two panel discussions were held. It was noted that 14 civil initiatives were financed in 10 municipalities, which contributed to the creation of a non-violent environment for women and children.
At the end of the conference, the founders of the organization - Alla Gamakharia, Mery Gelashvili and Nanuli Ramishvili recalled the 28-year history of the organization and charged the participants with motivation.
The Women Fund "Sukhumi" continues to work in direction of violence prevention and women empowerment.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Several new members have joined the women mutual assistance group in Tskaltubo. Terjola group has also been replenished with new members. In Senaki, new serious cases were discussed, and questionnaires are currently being processed.
In all other municipalities, the March meetings were actively held. During the ordinary group meetings, the participants were interested in government services. They already have information about programs and services to support vulnerable groups. One of the important priorities for women is economic empowerment. They try to solve problems through informing and mutual assistance. The group meetings give hope to each participant, as they become more active, stronger and better able to cope with challenges.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
Violence around us, our reactions to the rapist and the victim, mechanisms for protection and violence prevention - these and other issues are discussed by young actors and director Magda Chikhladze with the audience after the Forum Theatre performances.
The discussion reflects the attitude of society. And especially what else should be done to solve problems related to violence.
The Forum Theatre staged performances in Kutaisi and "forced" the audience to think about current issues.
In order for more people to see the performances staged by the Forum Theatre, it was decided to make a film. Work on the future film is currently underway.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
A meeting on the topic: "Kindergartens, family, community - social partnership for the well-being of children" was held in Kutaisi.
The participants heard information about the research "The main aspects of family and community participation in the educational process of preschool institutions", conducted by the Women Fund "Sukhumi".
The discussion emphasized the importance of exchanging information and coordination between structures working in the field of protecting children's rights and providing various social services.
"There are many problems, but by increasing the participation of all of us, parents and the community, we can overcome the obstacles that prevent the creation of a full, positive environment for children," emphasized the participants. The meeting was attended by parents, teachers, and children’s rights defenders, employees of special service centers, kindergarten managers, industry specialists, and experts.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
A round table on the topic "Kindergartens, family, community - social partnership for the well-being of the child" organized by the Women Fund "Sukhumi", was held in Kutaisi, in the Center for Children's Rights,
The meeting was attended by parents, teachers, journalists, and childrens’ rights defenders, representatives of social services, kindergarten managers, specialists and experts of the region.
The participants were introduced to the research “Key aspects of family and community participation in the educational process of preschool institutions”, with the main conclusions that are identified in the direction of family and community participation in the educational process of preschool institutions.
The participants of the round table exchanged information on the positive impact of the family and community participation component, interesting practices and challenges they face in this area. According to their assessment, such meetings will contribute to increased coordination and cooperation, improving social partnership between parents and entities working in the field of children's rights.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
During the meetings of women's mutual support groups in Tskaltubo and Vani, services offered by municipal and non-governmental organizations were discussed. Samtredia group has been replenished with new members, so new cases have appeared. They need to be processed in a timely manner and each one needs to be resolved.
In Kobuleti, the group members outlined their problems and needs. Necessities were discussed in Terjola, Zugdidi, Tsalenjikha, Senaki and Khobi. The woman from Chokhatauri has a great desire to take courses of working with polymer clay, as this is one of the ways to find employment along with therapy. It is important for women that a psychologist from the Women Fund “Sukhumi” periodically works with them, helping them to solve their problems.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada
Familiarization with the results of the research conducted by the Fund "Sukhumi" was held in Kutaisi, in the office of the "Generation of Books". Parents, specialists, experts, psychologists, journalists, heads of private and public kindergartens who participated in the meeting exchanged information and emphasized actual issues:
- What is the level of family and community involvement in processes taking place in preschool institutions according to the quality standard?
- What hinders equal participation of both parents. Why is it not possible to increase the level of fathers' involvement and what incentive initiatives do preschools use to solve this problem?
- How balanced is the equal participation of parents of children with disabilities/special needs in the upbringing process?
- How high is the level of cooperation and coordination with service providers and child protection departments?
During the discussion, participants heard about the challenges as well as successful practices and confirmed that in response to the research findings, it is necessary to strengthen the involvement of the family and community, as defined by the quality standard, which will primarily increase the benefits for the child and positively balance the child-oriented environment.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
