A public discussion was held by the Women Fund "Sukhumi" within the framework of the campaign "All agains Femicide". Representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health, and Social Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Public Defender's Office, National Association of Local Authorities of Georgia. Also women's/youth groups and journalists of various projects of Women Fund "Sukhumi".
According to independent expert Goga Khatiashvili - "There is only one solution, let's listen to everyone!"
The public discussion organized by the Women's Fund "Sukhumi" is another attempt to make the representatives of the legislative, executive and civil sectors speak in one democratic space and in one language to solve common problems.
During the meetings held by the women support centers of Vani, Terjola, Tsalenjikha and Chokhatauri, the challenges that exist in the municipalities in terms of assistance to victims of violence and the use of services were highlighted. The meetings showed that informing the population about the Department for Children’s Rights Protection and Support will contribute to the effectiveness of the response mechanisms.
Women support centers identified four new cases of violence – the response to these cases will be continued using various services.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The advocacy group held an information meeting in the village Rokhi (Bagdati municipality), which was attended by school teachers, kindergarten teachers and high school students, members of the inter-department commission, employees of the City Hall Department for Children's Rights Protection and Support.
The participants received information about the establishment, structure, rights and duties of the inter-department commission working on issues of violence against women and domestic violence. The participants were also introduced to the structure of the Department for Children's Rights Protection and Support and the results of the monitoring of its work. Participants noted that they already know when to address this department.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Violence against women, femicide, referral mechanisms and entities, authority of the child rights protection and support department in this process - these issues were discussed at information meetings initiated by the women support centers.
The main focus was on the work of children's departments operating in municipalities. It was mentioned that information on the work of the new department is not available to everyone. It was noted that it is necessary for teachers of kindergartens and schools to cooperate with this department, which will help to identify cases of violence and respond effectively.
The meetings were held in the women support centers of Senaki, Kobuleti, Bagdati, Zugdidi and Tkibuli.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
From the beginning of October, the formation of new groups of youth empowerment centers began.
In Zugdidi, Terjola, Kobuleti, Senaki and Tkibuli, trainings were held on the topic of conflict management and violence prevention (only one of these meetings was held in online format).
Young people were involved in the work with great responsibility. This form of informal education was quite interesting and impressive for them. They are ready to show initiatives and conduct various activities before the next meeting.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The round table in Senaki City Hall of was attended by responsible officials of the City Hall, representatives of the health and social protection service, the department for the protection of children's rights and their support, the social service agency and the educational sector.
During the meeting, the participants talked about the alarming growth of the facts of femicide. The emphasis was placed on the problem of domestic violence and the prospect of cooperation with local structures.
It was noted that the local government is the unit of a referral mechanism for protection against violence - it has the authority and duty to be involved in the process of violence prevention, identification of cases and assistance to victims - to which the municipality responds with appropriate programs.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
A meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission for the Elimination of Violence against Women was held in Senaki City Hall meeting room. The meeting was attended by members of the commission, as well as representatives of the City Council, schools and the Women Fund “Sukhumi”.
After reviewing specific cases, the participants of the meeting discussed the issues of violence prevention, protection of victims and cooperation with local government agencies.
The interdepartmental commission decided to join the annual 16-day information campaign against gender-based violence.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Linda Chikhladze and Nino Korinteli, representatives of the Women's Fund "Sukhumi" Tbilisi office, participated in a webinar organized by WWP EN on the importance of men's involvement in conversations about care work and domestic violence.
At the meeting, our representatives spoke about the Georgian legislative arrangement and the importance of fathers' participation in child care for the prevention of domestic violence.
Protection of children's rights and local cooperation in terms of improving social services” - an information exchange meeting on this topic was held this time with the staff of preschool institutions of Kobuleti municipality. The event was attended by the head of the City Hall Department for the Protection of Children's Rights, the Chairman of the Gender Equality Council of the municipality, representatives of the Women Fund "Sukhumi".
The participants were familiarized with the specifics of the work of the new structure of the municipality - the City Hall Department for the Protection of Children's Rights, as well as with local programs. Information was provided on the monitoring carried out by the Fund "Sukhumi", which revealed positive practices and challenges that exist in different municipalities.
It was noted that some representatives of preschool institutions still do not understand their responsibility according to the law in terms of protecting children from violence. There were issues when communication with the City Hall Department for the Protection of Children's Rights is necessary.
Teachers of preschool institutions touched upon the painful issues of children with specific needs. There was an agreement on the topics of future cooperation.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
On October 6-9, the feminist forum "Body and Environment: Feminist Ideas and Practices of Organizing Care, Resistance, and Solidarity" was held.
During four days, together with queer and feminist activists, researchers, and forum participants, Representatives of Women's Fund "Sukhumi" - Nino Korinteli and Linda Chikhladze were involved in a process to created a safe space for the exchange and discussion of interdisciplinary, local, and regional knowledge and experiences.
Together with the WISG team, we also hope that these inspiring days will certainly lay the foundation for new opportunities for thinking, working, and collaborating. Among them, is to continue the forum's tradition of creating and transforming new spaces for queer feminist imagination, knowledge, and practice.