In the recommendations of the latest research of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” “Assessment of Effectiveness of the Municipalities’ Preventive Measures to Combat Violence Against Women/Domestic Violence”, an important role is given to the promotion of an effective system of coordination and information exchange between  local units responsible for social work.

On the initiative of the Women Fund "Sukhumi", in cooperation with the educational resource center, the health and social protection service, the department for the protection and support of children's rights and the gender equality council, an information exchange meeting was held in Kobuleti Resource Center.

The meeting participants discussed a number of topical issues related to the problems of violence against women/domestic violence, violence prevention, psychosocial and other needs of adolescents and their families.

The meeting showed how important the coordinating role of resource centers with local referal entities, especially with the City Hall services is. Ways to address specific issues identified during the dialogue were outlined.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

A meeting, organized by the monitoring group of the Women Fund "Sukhumi" and Vani Gender Equality Council was held in Vani. The meeting was attended by the leadership of the association of kindergartens, the administration and managers of the  kindergartens, educators, psychologists and methodologists. Representatives of the City Hall department for the protection of children's rights were invited to the meeting.

The participants received information about the new report of the Fund "Sukhumi" -

“Assessment of Effectiveness of the Municipalities’ Preventive Measures to Combat Violence Against Women/Domestic Violence.”

The main emphasis was placed on the challenges presented in the document and on the recommendations that will improve the work of local governments and kindergarten associations in violence prevention.

The coordinator and inspector of the department told the participants of the meeting about the program of the department for the protection of children's rights. The Secretary of the Gender Equality Council informed them about the activities and plans for the future.

During the meeting, a number of problems that require immediate response were identified. Further cooperation was planned.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

The presentation of the research “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Preventive Measures Implemented By Municipalities Addressing Domestic Violence Against Women” was held in Tsalenjikha with the participation of the City Hall and City Council services.

The report assesses the effectiveness of the implementation of preventive measures by target municipalities (including Tsalenjikha municipality) regarding the issues of violence against women and/or domestic violence and the quality of their cooperation with local referral entities.

The research reflects the challenges and recommendations for both central and local agencies to carry out preventive work more effectively.

The results of the research was interesting for the participants, and the recommendations are very important for planning the future work of the Gender Equality Council.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

Forum theater performances are dedicated to violence, bullying, family relationships, conflicts. All these topics are relevant, so the appearance of young actors on the street is of particular interest to the audience...

In July, the forum-theater held two performances in the parks of Kutaisi. Audiences of all ages took part in the discussion. Most people avoid introducing themselves and being photographed. However, everyone unanimously notes that the forum theater is an interesting form for talking about problems with society.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

There are quite a lot of leaders in the Youth Empowerment Centers. They have experience of working with their peers, and it is from them that the Women Fund "Sukhumi" has created a network of young trainers.

Network members passed trainings, discussing the structure of the training and the skills required for a trainer.

Many nuances were added to the experience of the participants, as they got acquainted with important issues: creating a module, defining training goals, communicating with the audience, the specifics of the training, preparing a presentation, arranging the hall, allocating time, the most common mistakes of trainers, etc.

As a result of the training, the participants understood the basic principles of building a training, learned how to manage the audience and properly allocate time. They can already plan and conduct trainings.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

Despite the school holidays, the training course continues at the Youth Empowerment Centers.

5 trainings were held - with Terjola, Samtredia, Zugdidi, Tsalenjikha and Khobi groups. Young people openly spoke about the results of the course and the changes they feel and see. They started preparations for the final meetings where they will present their presentations. It is important that the participants of the training actively participate in various youth events held in the municipalities. This is also one of the results of our work.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

Problem tree, strengths and weaknesses of the Women Initiative Group, opportunities and risks associated with solving problems - these issues were discussed by members of Zugdidi Women Initiative Group at the regular information meeting.

They identified priority issues, discussed ways to address them, and began to work on an advocacy plan.

The project is implemented with the support

 of the UN Women organization

The members of the youth club of Khoni municipality evaluated the project "Say no to violence!". With the help of the forum theater method, the audience was shown an acute and actual problem that exists in real life. The young people noted that they coped with this unfamiliar challenge with dignity and earned a positive evaluation from the society. The members of the first women initiative group of Khoni will work on the training of personnel in the field of construction in order to face modern challenges. The members of the second group chose the problem of homeless dogs for advocacy. At the meetings, both groups worked on the plan and activities. The responsible persons were selected and the deadlines were determined.

Envisaging the recommendations, Tskaltubo women initiative group, chose the most actual problem: "Marijuana use among adolescents", and "Reflection of youth needs in municipal programs". Group members worked on an advocacy plan. It describes the activities which are necessary to solve the problem, defines the deadlines and responsible persons. The members of the youth group of Tskaltubo public schools No 1 and No 4 evaluated the projects implemented within the framework of the mini-project. According to the participants, working on the project gave them a lot of experience. They believe that they were able to discuss the issues of domestic violence, bullying, gender equality and think about a solution using forum-theatre. According to the participants, the discussion on these topics will help to prevent the problem of violence and reduce aggression in society.

Kutaisi women initiative group starts to work on the problems identified as a result of the human security research. The members of the group will try to solve two acute and actual problems - to inform teenagers about the dangers of alcohol and drugs and to study the existing sub-programs in the municipality, as well as to advocate for another necessary program. The members of the group worked on the advocacy plan, outlined the activities, determined the responsible persons and deadlines. The members of the youth club talked about the project "Bullying and its types", discussed the challenges and skills they were able to develop within the project. Certificates of participation in the project were given to the young people. New members joined the club. They received information about the activities of the club and the Fund "Sukhumi". Public activities were held in order to bring the members closer.