An important stage started in the work of women's mutual assistance groups: identifying priority issues in IDP communities and developing initiatives. A survey is planned for target municipalities to identify women's needs.
At a meeting with members of the mutual assistance group in Senaki, participants were introduced to the theoretical materials for the survey forms, methods and techniques. They were given instructions on how and when the survey would be conducted, how many people would be involved, and who would be the target group.
Using the acquired skills, the survey will be successfully conducted. In response to the identified needs, it is planned to support civil society initiatives that will contribute to the creation of a fulfillment living environment in the IDP community.
The project is implemented by a coalition of non-governmental organizations: the Association of IDP Women “Consent”, the Women's Information Center, and the Women's Charitable Humanitarian Fund “Sukhumi”.
Women's mutual - assistance groups presented 18 initiatives, seven of which received financial support from our organization.
At next group meetings, civic initiatives were discussed.
Two out of seven initiatives were from women of Terjola group. Tskaltubo group presented four initiatives, one of which received funding. This is a great incentive for them.
Kobuleti women group did not participate in the initiative competition. Unfortunately, the initiatives of Vani and Kutaisi groups did not receive funding at this stage.
At ordinary meetings, group members discussed the submitted applications to take into account the competition committee's comments and more actively engage in the next stage - developing initiatives and receiving financial support.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
The Association of IDP Women “Consent” organized training on "Leadership for IDP and Rural Women" in Gori.
Members of mutual assistance groups from Gori, Kareli, and Kaspi municipalities participated in the training. The goal of the training was to provide them with knowledge and skills that will contribute to strengthening social work in IDP and conflict-affected communities.
According to participants, the training was active, interesting, understandable, and impressive. The first part included a discussion of the essence of women leadership and its characteristic components. The second part continued with simulation exercises and viewing of thematic videos. Particular attention was paid to the importance of presentation skills, self-presentation, and public speaking.
According to the participants, strengthening female leadership is crucial for identifying and addressing community needs.
The project is implemented by a coalition of non-governmental organizations: the Association of IDP Women “Consent”, the Women's Information Center, and Women's Charitable Humanitarian Fund “Sukhumi”.
At the end of August, an ordinary meeting of Kutaisi mutual assistance group was held. The group members discussed the issue of creating a treasury. They talked about financial contributions and their use, the rights and responsibilities of responsible persons.
One of the issues was increasing the competence of group members through trainings. The training on women's leadership was of particular importance for the group.
The group members are already leaders in the community and have the knowledge necessary to identify needs and solve priority problems of communities. They also care about social change through the implementation of civil initiatives.
The topic of discussion at the ordinary information meeting of Khoni mutual assistance group was the creation of a treasury account and the election of a treasurer. This initiative will increase responsibility and targeted, effective management and disposal of common finances in the IDP community.
The participants focused on the knowledge and skills acquired during the trainings and how they can use them in practice.
During the meeting, the problems existing in the settlement were noted. The group was provided with information on the needs research that they should conduct. In conclusion, the participants discussed future plans and the implementation of civic initiatives in the community.
Poti mutual assistance group gathered for another information meeting. The group members discussed an important change made to the charter - the creation and introduction of a treasury account.
The initiative is aimed at increasing responsibility in the IDP settlement and effective management - the use of common financial resources.
The meeting discussed leadership competencies developed as a result of trainings, which will help the group members in the process of needs research.
The meeting participants once again emphasized the importance of social activity. The problems of individual residential houses and common needs were identified, which are planned to be addressed jointly, through civil initiatives.
At the next information meeting, members of Tskaltubo mutual assistance group discussed an amendment to the charter concerning the creation of a treasury account.
This initiative involves voluntary donations, the introduction of an internal savings system in order to master the basics of financial management and improve financial literacy.
At the meeting, attention was paid to the topic of leadership, which was of particular interest to the group members.
Once again, problems and common needs of different settlements were recorded, which are planned to be solved through joint efforts and civil initiatives, after conducting a needs research.
Members of Senaki mutual assistance group meet regularly and actively work in accordance with the activities defined by the project. The group members discussed the format and regulations for creating a fund/treasury. They discussed the forms of accounting for financial donations and the mechanisms for their use. Responsible persons, their rights and responsibilities were identified.
In order to improve their professional development and competence, the group members have already completed trainings on women's leadership, identification and prioritization of problems. One of the questions at the meeting was devoted to discussing the topic of women's leadership.
According to the group members, trainings on community leadership are important for their development and will contribute to the identification of priority problems and social change in IDP communities.
"Leadership for IDPs and rural women" - the second training on this topic was held in Zugdidi, at the “Dadiani Inn” hotel, with the participation of women - members of a mutual assistance group. This time the training was organized by the Women's Information Center, and members of mutual assistance groups from Senaki, Poti, Tsalenjikha, Mestia and Zugdidi took part in it.
The trainer and the participants discussed the essence and features of leadership, found out what positive changes the development of women's leadership will bring to the community, and emphasized the importance of self-presentation and public speaking.
The training was held within the framework of the project "Women Act for Peace and Strengthening the Local Community".
