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.
“Previously, I just enjoyed the process. Now I also gain knowledge about my habits”.
“I haven’t communicated with a psychologist and I really like it.”
“We all need to heal our pain. Polymer clay helps us in this. The participation of a psychologist made the process even more interesting”.
These are the comments of the women.
The day rehabilitation center of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” continues to teach the art of polymer clay along with therapeutic support. Thus, psychological consultations and answers to questions that women really like, naturally appear in the process of work.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The forum theater performances were held in Kutaisi Youth Center. The topic of migration, which, according to viewers, is an acute problem for society, caused active discussion. Rehearsals of the new scenarios are currently underway, and it is also important that the number of volunteers has increased.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The work of the Women Support Centers shjould identify the families under the relationship crisis. Information about women's rights and conflict management issues is preventive measure and reduces the risk of violence.
New beneficiaries are added to meetings every month, also the number of people using the services of a psychologist has also increased. All this contributes to the creation of a non-violent environment in society.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
A series of information meetings, held by active members of the initiative group, continues in Kutaisi.
The construction of a mini - stadium is a problem that was identified by the IDP community living in the building of a former pharmacy on Tabukashvili Street. Women trained at the Women Fund “Sukhumi” work on this issue. They also have information about forms of civic engagement and share it with others. They have prepared a letter to submit to the City Hall and are waiting for a response. Women know that they can change their social conditions.
The project is implemented with the support of USAID local governance program
Members of Kutaisi initiative group actively conduct information meetings in their community.
Now we speak about the settlement “cottages” - on Guram Gabiskiria Street, where housing and infrastructure problems were identified and advocacy began: they are already waiting for a response from the relevant departments regarding the arrangement of the road surface and water supply system.
These stages were carried out within the framework of our project. Therefore, they believe that teamwork brings better results and success.
Women living in the IDP settlement are well aware of forms of civic engagement and are trying to become more active in order to change their lives for the better.
The project is implemented with the support of USAID local governance program
These photos describe a working meeting hwld on Ioseliani Street in Kutaisi. The Women Fund “Sukhumi” trained members of the initiative group in advocacy issues. Now they hold information meetings in their communities to raise civic responsibility.
Meeting participants talk about the importance of teamwork, the skills required to maintain common property, specific problems in the community and ways to solve them within the framework of civic responsibility.
Members of the initiative group identified problems and began advocacy. They are now sharing their experiences with others so that more people can become actors in local policy development.
The project is implemented with the support of USAID local governance program
A working meeting was held in the IDP settlement of Kutaisi (former cooperative college). Women members of the initiative groups, who passed the trainings, improve their knowledge and acquired new skills, now they conduct informational meetings in their community, speak about importance and necessity of unity, civil activity, team work.
Lack of drainage channels, water pooling in basements and damaged building facades - they identified this problem and began the advocacy process. They are collecting signatures to present to local government and ask for help.
The project is implemented with the support of USAID local governance program