The brief reflects part of the research findings related to the accessibility of support services for women survivors of violence and the public’s attitude towards these services. It analyzes whom women affected by violence turn to for support, which services are prioritized when choices are available, and what factors hinder access to assistance and adequate support. Additionally, it reflects women’s perspectives on whether Georgia’s current social and political climate may affect the future ability of non-governmental organizations to provide support services to the community and their overall functioning.
The Women's Fund "Sukhumi" journalism competition awards ceremony was held at the Gelati Residence Hotel. The competition focused on the ethical coverage of gender identity disinformation and violence against women, and journalists and bloggers working in the Imereti region participated.
The event began with a welcoming speech by Ekaterine Gamakharia, head of the Tbilisi office of the Women's Fund "Sukhumi" and coordinator of the project "Changing Narratives: Fighting Against Gender Identity Disinformation for an Informed, Sensitive Society and Ethical Regional Media," and Ala Gamakharia, director of the Women’s Fund "Sukhumi". In their speech, they spoke about the Women Fund "Sukhumi"'s 25 years of experience in collaboration with journalists, and the importance of ethical coverage of violence against women.
Based on the jury's total points, the awards were distributed as follows:
During an information meeting held with members of the initiative group of the former music boarding school, participants talked about the changes that the advocacy process brings and what is needed to achieve good results.
They also discussed further plans and problems that the IDP settlement is facing at this stage - it is necessary to equip the sports ground with a drainage system so that the water does not rise. The conversation also touched on the issues of rehabilitation of the park and children's attractions, installation of benches.
The women initiative group asked the chairman of Kutaisi City Council to solve the problem and is waiting for a decision from the local government in the near future.
The project is implemented with the support of USAID local governance program
The work envisaged by the project has been completed in the IDP settlement of Khoni.
Two problems were solved: due to a faulty drainage system, rainwater accumulated near houses #10 and #15. Residents cut canals that changed the direction of the water. During heavy rains, water got into the basement and flooded, which created a threat to people's health. There were many reptiles and rodents. There was a risk of damage to the basement of the building.
Two initiatives were implemented with the human resources of the local community: the ground was excavated and filled near house #10. A raised fence was installed on the side of the pedestrian path near house #15. Thus, two problems were solved.
The project is implemented with the support
of the UN Women organization
They implemented the initiative envisaged by the project in the IDP settlement of Kutaisi municipality with their own resources. With the grant, residents of the former physics and mathematics boarding school on Leselidze Street, purchased a petrol mower, a water pump and an electric cable, oil for replacement, pliers and an electric machine. These materials will contribute to the creation of a safe living environment in the IDP community.
The project is implemented with the support
of the UN Women organization
Members of Women Initiative Groups of Kutaisi, Tskaltubo, Khoni, Zugdidi and Senaki municipalities, assistants, representative of the donor organization Medea Gugeshashvili and founder of the Fund “Sukhumi” Alla Gamakharia took part in the meeting within the framework of the "Network of Women and Young Women Peace Ambassadors".
The assistants presented information on the work for the reporting period and summed up the results.
In their speeches, the leaders spoke about the events held in the target municipalities (implementation of the initiatives of the II stage) within the framework of supporting "Civil Initiatives".
According to the leaders and members of the initiative groups, this project has increased the involvement of citizens even more. "Civic Initiatives" presented women in society from a different side. They become active and look for ways to solve problems themselves.
As the women noted, at first they themselves did not believe in the victory of their ideas and had little hope for their implementation, but now the problems have been solved - the team and the population are happy with the results achieved.
The project is implemented with the support of the UN Women organization
In Chokhatauri, members of the mutual assistance group held a meeting of a different format - a cheese exhibition. The women brought out their goods. They discussed the creation of a website called "Women of Gogolasubani", which will help sell the products. Group from Tsalenjikha consider the economic empowerment of women from the vulnerable group in their plans for the future.
New participants gathered in Samtredia, they filled out questionnaires, talked about their needs. Tskaltubo group was replenished with new members. The meeting was held online.
Mutual assistance group meetings were also held in other municipalities (Khobi, Zugdidi, Terjola, Kobuleti, Senaki, Vani). New participants addressed - with their problems and hope for their solution. A psychologist from the Women Fund “Sukhumi” actively worked with the women.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
An informational meeting was held in the village Shua Khorga (Khobi municipality), attended by school teachers and parents. The main topic of discussion at the meeting was the prevention of domestic violence and protection of the victim.
The discussion focused on the role and functions of referral entities. The emphasis was on training teachers and medical personnel and providing information about services.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Women Support Centers actively continue to inform citizens about services for victims. Ten cases were identified during the month, including risk groups.
In parallel with the identification of cases, they are also analyzed and assessed. Depending on the need, one part of the beneficiaries is referred to a psychologist, the other to a lawyer. Effective case management significantly reduces the risks of violence and helps to prevent violence.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
There have been changes in the acting group of the forum theater, two actors left and two volunteers came to take their place.
The performances of the forum theater were held in the small hall of Kutaisi Meskhishvili Theater, despite the small number of spectators, the discussion was active. The theater staff positively assessed the acting of the young people, the scenes reflecting reality.
The second performance took place in the city center - this is a good experience for the youth. They are actively working, rehearsing and preparing for new performances.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)