On May 25-27, leaders of women initiative groups gathered in Istanbul. Training on "Evidence-based Advocacy" was held for them. Women from different regions and communities were involved in the work process. They practically participate in the advocacy of various problems, that's why the training was especially interesting for them. The participants reviewed the tree of problems, improved their knowledge about goals, tasks, formulation of expected results, types of advocacy and related issues. They selected priority issues from the problems in their community and worked in groups. They independently drew up a sample advocacy plan and showed presentations. During the training, the leaders of the initiative groups acquired new knowledge, skills, experience, got to know each other better and drafted plans for future.
The first meeting was held in Terjola. The first group of self-assistance was formed.
The project, which started with the support of the Equality Fund (Canada), includes lot of interesting things, and one of them is the creation of women's self-assistance groups in 10 municipalities.
In May, groups were formed in Terjola, Senaki, Chokhatauri, Samtredia, Tkibuli, Vani and Kobuleti. The women who gathered in these municipalities already understood the mission of the group, that they should facilitate the exchange of information about the services available for violence victims in the country. They can also advocate their problems. Municipal groups will do a lot of useful things together.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
We have good news - Ukrainian Maria Dobrovolskaya gave birth to a healthy boy in Kutaisi. They are already home, mother and baby feel well.
Another innovation: we were addressed by a volunteer of the program “Sonyashnik”, according to which 5 Ukrainian teenagers from 15 to 18 years old will be able to have an interesting time in a summer camp. The Women Fund "Sukhumi" helped them gather a group for free rest in the camp.
Currently we have 523 people in our database. 43 people were added in May.
This month, our support was shown in many ways:
- Food was provided to 30 families (63 people)
- 6 families received assistance in paying for housing
- We supported 6 families in paying utilities
- One Ukrainian woman was paid part of the cost of the operation, everything went well and she is getting better.
- Free psychological assistance for refugees from Ukraine continues
Maria Dobrovolskaya is 22 years old. She lived in Kyiv, during two months of war she was there and experienced all the horrors of the war. For a concrete period of time, the girl moved to Vinnitsa to her grandmother and then left for Poland. She worked for several months in Katowice and Lodz. In Katowice she met a Georgian man, got married and they came to Georgia together.
At first they were in the husband's family - in Svaneti, where they received the Ukrainian daughter-in-law warmly. Maria was pregnant when they moved to Kutaisi. Like many refugees from Ukraine, Maria's family was also assisted by the Women Fund “Sukhumi”. After the birth of the child, representatives of the Fund visited the mother and child, congratulated them with great joy and brought the necessary gifts for the child: clothes, hygiene products, diapers, food...
The young mother thanked the guests for their assistance and support, which is so important in such a difficult time.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Identification of IDP needs existing in their community and their advocacy in relevant departments is the main activity of Kutaisi Women Initiative Group.
Currently the group is advocating for infrastructure problems identified in three IDP settlements.
Representatives of the local self-government service got studied the problems and promised to help, in frames of their capabilities.
The project is implemented with the support
of the UN Women organization
Senaki Women Initiative Group started the advocacy of new problems. Group members actively worked with population to identify the priority of problems. As a result of collecting information, there were selected the problems, solution of which is the prerogative of local government.
Two issues were slected for the advocacy: landscaping of the yard and fencing of the children's stadium. The working group has already drawn up an advocacy plan, according to the plan, information regarding this issue together with the signatures has already been submitted to the municipality. The advocacy process will continue in accordance with the response.
The project is implemented with the support
of the UN Women organization
Several houses are in a deplorable situation in Tskaltubo, Abkhazeti Street. The roof needs to be urgently replaced. Tskaltubo Women Initiative Group continues to advocate this problem - based on the answers received from representatives of local government and the government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, the problem will be resolved in the very near future.
The initiative group often organizes the cleaning of the area adjacent to the village from weeds, the process of laying the drainage channel is near to its end.
On the initiative of the group, the children of the village visited the house-museum of Otia Ioseliani, where they presented a literary composition on the topic of Abkhazia.
The Women Initiative Group continues to identify the problems of the IDP community and advocate for their solution.
The project is implemented with the support
of the UN Women organization
Khoni Women Initiative Group actively conducts meetings with representatives of the IDP community to identify important issues for them.
Members of the group try to solve as many problems as possible, which will help to improve the living conditions of IDPs.
For the given moment, the group works on renovation of the mini-stadium of the IDP village. It is important for women that their children have a space where they can spend their free time, engage in sports, and conduct various activities.
For timely and successful advocacy of the issue, the Women Initiative Group is in close communication with the local government. This problem is raised and there is a promise of support.
The project is implemented with the support
of the UN Women organization
Members of both women initiative groups of Khoni spoke about the problems identified as a result of the research. They also selected the issues to be resolved at the local level and discussed the details of the advocacy plan. Say "no" to violence! - During 2 months, with small scenes of the forum-theater the young people will try to show the audience the seriousness of the problem and make them to think about the negative consequences of violence. During the May meeting, together with the project assistant, they once again discussed planned activities and developed a plan. The participants also distributed their duties equally.
