A workshop on the prevention of violence against women and/or domestic violence, protection and assistance to victims of violence was held for members of the Municipal Interdepartmental Commission of Vani City Hall

Participants discussed the obligations of each member, that are necessary for the commission to operate effectively. They discussed the strategies that will help to manage specific cases.

It was noted that the composition should be reviewed and members added for more activity. It was also mentioned that the commission should contribute to the prevention of facts of violence and timely assistance to victims.

The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)

What is advocacy, how to determine an advocacy strategy, what tools and mechanisms should be used to make the process successful - these issues were discussed during the training held in Senaki. It was attended by active women leaders from IDP communities.

Using practical examples and exercises, participants interactively analyzed factors that promote and hinder advocacy. Using SWOT analysis, the strengths and weaknesses of the advocacy team were identified. In the last part of the training, participants identified problems and developed an advocacy action plan.

According to the participants, the skills acquired during the training will help them to successfully carry out the advocacy process.

The work is carried out in partnership with the Center “Abkhazeti” within the framework of the project “Support of the conflict transformation in the South Caucasus and Moldova”.

Against the background of active interaction, a training was held in Zugdidi with participation of women IDPs and heads of the homeowners’ associations of the Baramia and Lagidze streets.

Participants learned the essence of evidence-based advocacy and analyzed the process, how to identify a problem and how to solve it. Using a SWOT analysis, they assessed their own resources, strengths and weaknesses, and discussed expected risks.

The training participants selected specific problems and drew up action plans.

The reviews of the participants:

“We learned how to write an advocacy plan and assign responsibilities”.

“We will use these skills in practice when working on advocacy issues in our communities.”

The work is carried out in partnership with the Center “Abkhazeti” within the framework of the project “Support of the conflict transformation in the South Caucasus and Moldova”.

What are the existing mechanisms to assist and empower victims of violence; In what issues should we cooperate with the department for the protection and support of children’s rights, social workers; What are the responsibilities of society members in preventing violence against women and domestic violence; How to create a healthy, harmonious environment around teenagers - these issues were mainly discussed at a meeting held in Chokhatauri municipality, in the community of Jvartskhma.

The meeting was held in a friendly, positive, interactive atmosphere. The meeting was attended by the City Hall representative of the community, representatives of the Women Fund “Sukhumi”, the department for the protection and support of children's rights, and active women of the community.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

Since January, Women Support Centers began to actively hold information meetings. With the help of mobilizers from 10 centers, more than 150 people received information about support services and municipal programs for violence victims.

The informing process contributed to the identification of new families. Within a month, 10 families under the risk were identified. Active work began with them. Beneficiaries already use the free services of the Women Fund “Sukhumi”: they receive consultations from a psychologist and a lawyer.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

The cycle “5 ART” was finished - 5 meetings were held with refugees from different cities of Ukraine. The purpose of therapeutic meetings is to develop their ability to connect emotions and situations in which they are forced to find themselves. Meetings help children to eliminate emotional stress and associated symptoms, interact correctly with themselves and with others, and transform negative impulses and reactions into positive ones.

The results are already visible: stress relief, weakening of excessive conscious control, mutual trust, physical freedom. 10 children from 7 to 12 years old made friends and spent 5 interesting days at Women Fund the “Sukhumi”.

The work was carried out with the support of Mtskheta-Mtianeti Regional Hub.

In January, 9 new people were added to the number of Ukrainians and now there are already 387 of them. As in previous months, they were assisted in different ways. The most important thing is the distribution of food vouchers. In January, the organization purchased 52 vouchers for 100 GEL and distributed them to 39 families. In addition, we paid utility bills for 4 families, and 6 families received finances to pay apartment rent.

Depending on the needs, there are other types of support: payment for telephone calls, reimbursement of the cost of consultations, blood transfusions or medicines for cancer patients.

All this may be small compared to the problems they have, but they all thank us for this stable support, which has been continuing for almost two years now.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

In January, the psychologist of the Women's Fund “Sukhumi” actively worked with families who came from Ukraine. She met with 16 refugees - psycho-rehabilitation work was carried out: collection of anamnesis, liberation from negative emotions. Along with adults, the psychologist actively worked with three teenagers. They suffer from hyperactivity, loneliness and problems of adapting to a new environment. The results of psychotherapy sessions are gradually becoming obvious, and the spiritual state of Ukrainians is improving.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

An information exchange meeting was held at school of the village Teklati (Senaki municipality) - with the participation of the school administration, teachers and parents.

Representatives of the Women Fund “Sukhumi”, together with employees of educational institutions, the department for the protection and support of children's rights, and members of the Gender Equality Council, discussed a number of topical issues related to violence against women/domestic violence family, the prevention of violence, and the psychosocial condition of families of adolescents.

There was also a presentation of a Women Fund "Sukhumi" research - "Assessing the effectiveness of implementation of preventive measures on issues of domestic violence against women by municipalities." An important place in the recommendations of the research is occupied by the coordination of authoritative local structures and the exchange of information, cooperation with schools.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

The monitoring group continued a series of information meetings with vulnerable groups. Another meeting was held in Vani municipality. Participants were informed about the mechanisms existing in the country to assist and empower victims of violence. Particular attention was paid to local government programs.

The program of the department of protection and support of children's rights was of particular importance for them. According to them, it is a great support for families who cannot create an appropriate environment for the development of their children.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)