This Guide for Journalists - "Standards for Responsible Reporting on Violence Against Women", prepared by the Women Fund "Sukhumi", provides practical advice and best practices for reporting on gender-based violence (GBV) survivors and women activists. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding victim-blaming language, respecting privacy and dignity, highlighting strength and resilience, and promoting zero tolerance toward GBV within society. The guide also addresses how to avoid gendered stereotypes and prioritize professional achievements over personal lives when covering stories about women defenders and activists.
By following these guide, journalists can ensure their reporting is ethical, empathetic, and contributes to a culture of understanding and support for women's rights and gender equality.
This digital informational banner, created by the Women Fund 'Sukhumi' and entitled 'Gender Disinformation - Myths and Reality,' addresses common misconceptions about gender-based violence and reveals the reality behind these myths. It challenges harmful and false beliefs that circulate in society, such as the idea that women domestic violence survivors provoke violence, that domestic violence is a private family matter, that fighting against domestic violence destroys families, and that feminism undermines traditional family values.
With the information on the banner, readers will discover the truth behind these common myths and understand the real dimensions of gender-based violence.
In the new social clip from the Women's Fund 'Sukhumi', actresses Nino Tcholadze and Nantso Tsvirashvili from Kutaisi's Lado Meskhishvili State Drama Theater explain how to recognize gender identity disinformation.
Embrace the truth and reject gender identity disinformation!
The Women's Fund 'Sukhumi' launched a social campaign called “Accept the Truth, Reject Gender Identity Disinformation”. Active journalists, bloggers, Mass Communication students, and activists are participating in the campaign.
The aim of the project is to combat gender identity disinformation and to increase awareness and empathy within the ethical regional media community.
The members of Khoni youth club spoke about the activities carried out and to be carried out within the framework of the mini project. The meeting was hosted by Khoni public school N 3. The members of the first women initiative group of Khoni spoke about the problems solved within the project, cooperation with the local government, and the benefits and impact of the project in general. The representative of the USAID, Mr. Giorgi Khechinashvili, attended the meeting. Correctly selected problem, correctly conducted process, is a prerequisite for successful advocacy - the second women initiative group of Khoni discussed the process of developing an advocacy plan.
Tskaltubo youth groups implemented mini-projects on the theme of peace. All activities were aimed at popularizing peace issues and increasing the role of young people. The activities gave the participants an opportunity to get more information about Abkhazia and Georgian-Abkhazian relations. They discussed what they can do for peace, expressed their opinions in different ways and reminded the society of the priority of this topic. The women's group was also active. Members worked on an advocacy plan. The issues identified as a result of the research were selected as problems.
This policy brief presents the findings of a quantitative research study conducted by The Women's Fund "Sukhumi" in 10 targeted municipalities from March to May 2024. The study, which included 1027 female respondents, address the availability of support services for victims of violence and the level of women’s awareness regarding these services. The study results show that in 2023 and 2024, the index of women who are uninformed or less informed about services is almost identical, at approximately 39%. Relatively high level of awareness of state shelters and Legal Aid Services was found, with approximately 37-46% of cases. The main sources of information about support services for victims of violence are non-governmental organizations and social networks. 46.1% of women – representatives of vulnerable group, have limited or no access to support services (a decrease of 9% compared to last year). Access to services is primarily hindered by limited and inadequate transport infrastructure (26.4%), as well as by lack of information about available services and unqualified or poor-quality services (approximately 25%).
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
This policy brief presents the findings of a quantitative research study conducted by The Women's Fund "Sukhumi" in 10 targeted municipalities from March to May 2024. The study, which included 1027 female respondents, examined victims of violence seeking support services. The document focuses on the importance of identifying incidents of violence at an early stage and reducing its impact through applying to services. According to the study results, between 2023 and 2024, 16% of the women surveyed did not seek any support services. Overall, the highest applying rates in 2024 were reported to police (112) and the hotline (116 006) (approximately 45-38% of cases). "Stigma and fear of public judgment" (27.9% of cases) are the leading reasons for not contacting any support services in cases of violence.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The members of Kutaisi Youth Club passed training on the topic "Mediation as a Ritual of Reconciliation". The participants received information about mediation, different types of mediation and the importance of mediation, performed practical exercises related to conflict management and mediation of process. USAID representative - Giorgi Khechinashvili attended the meeting. The leader of the club introduced the activities and results of the project "Youth for Peace" to the club members and the udience. The meeting was hosted by Public School No. 6 of Abkhazia named after Zhuli Shartava. Within the format of the exchange meeting, Kutaisi and Khoni Women Initiative Groups shared information and experience with each other, talked about the problems and needs advocated by them. According to the participants, such meetings provide a good opportunity for club members to get to know each other better.
Tskaltubo youth groups implemented mini-projects on the theme of peace. All activities were aimed at popularizing peace issues and increasing the role of young people. The activities gave the participants an opportunity to get more information about Abkhazia and Georgian-Abkhazian relations. They discussed what they can do for peace, expressed their opinions in different ways and reminded the society of the priority of this topic. The women's group was also active. Members worked on an advocacy plan. The issues identified as a result of the research were selected as problems.