The women's mutual assistance group meetings took place in an unusual way. Everyone saw the results and benefits of the work. The winning initiatives, and those that did not receive funding, and future plans were discussed.
An initiative has begun in Senaki – the poultry farm will be further developed. In Khobi, motors for pumps were purchased, needed for the IDP community. In Tsalenjikha, women were given a sewing machine and a freezer – just what they wanted for their business.
In Terjola, two winners were given tools and materials needed for their micro-business. They took part in the festival – City Day – where they presented their creations: bags, brooches, collars, various accessories...
Funding of initiatives is a great incentive for mutual assistance group members. In the second stage, everyone will join because they have seen that women's mutual assistance groups are truly designed to help and strengthen each other.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
How important are the informational meetings held at Women Support Centers? How do women use the information they receive? What difficulties do they face, and what support do they need? - Women who participated in the meetings answered these and other questions.
- Receiving and using information serves to violence prevention. Therefore, we strive to disseminate all information and provide it to those who truly need it, - was mentioned during the meetings.
Participants also discussed women's needs. Migration, youth unemployment, and high levels of aggression in society are pressing issues for them.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Our organization carries out a charitable and humanitarian mission and, of course, provides women with various support and assistance. One of these activities is distributing mobile phones to members of women's mutual assistance groups. Today, everyone needs a mobile phone as a means of communication and a source of information.
Therefore, in October, the organization donated new mobile phones to women who had difficulty in using their phones in Senaki, Kutaisi, and Terjola. This means their communication and awareness will improve.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
In October, women from one of Samegrelo municipalities visited our rehabilitation center.
They worked with a psychologist, a lawyer, and a social worker. The psychologist met them frequently and held sessions, so she can tell us more:
"Through daily communication, their inner personality gradually opened up. They said they had never spoken out loud about the problems they had carried within for years. One of them had been conditioned to obey since childhood, and now, as an adult, she clearly understands the harm this unspoken obedience has caused, but she can't change anything..."
I listened to her story, and she felt relieved. She didn't want the conversation to end because she was listened."
The women left notes. Fragments from their letters:
"The place where I rest is a spiritual paradise"...
"I think how wonderful life would be if I lived differently"...
"This is a place where I could think about a happy future and, I think, I will definitely free myself from the memories of the past. I love you"...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The "students" began their training with great interest.
At the request of activists of Senaki Women Support Center, a day center was opened. There are participants who have begun to study sewing and cutting.
The training is held in Senaki Community Educational Center (located in the IDP settlement – the former military town of Senaki).
The basic course will last two months, after which the women will have new employment opportunities.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Women are working in a bright, sunny room, and at times they create real “miracles”...
Instructor Maka Jishkariani generously shares her knowledge, experience, and many secrets with them.
A new course on working with polymer clay has opened at the Kutaisi Day Center.
Interest, diligence, and enjoyment can be felt from the very first lessons. In two months, at the final meeting, the students will organize an exhibition of their works and say that they will apply the knowledge they have gained in practice...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Women's mutual assistance groups have begun implementing initiatives.
The groups presented 18 initiatives, eight of which were funded by our organization.
In early October, the initiative authors received materials and tools, and they will begin their work.
Project Assistant Nino Chabukiani notes: "Implementing the initiatives is a great support for people from vulnerable groups. It contributes to women's economic empowerment and is a significant incentive for them and their families. Therefore, everyone who received funding is grateful to our organization. The groups have become even more motivated to work. Those who did not receive funding are now preparing for the second stage."
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
During informational meetings, mobilizers of Women Support Center identified six new cases.
In all cases, the risk and probability of violence development is high. The mobilizers were actively involved in the process, using preventative measures.
Contact with a psychologist has a positive impact on the women. The women seek solutions. The mobilizers helped several beneficiaries find employment, and the risk of social conflicts in these families has been reduced.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - EvangelischerEntwicklungsdienst (Germany)
- How the problem of domestic violence is identified, how women's needs are identified and advocated, and how cases are identified and managed – these issues were discussed by mobilizers of Women Support Centers at an online meeting.
Participants focused on challenges and problems. In their opinion, the process of identifying cases of violence has become more complex, but the need to continue working in this area is clear. Therefore, informing women and implementing preventive measures will be actively continued.
Participants also discussed technical issues, such as how to reflect monthly work, results, and challenges in the reports.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
