Women Initiative Group started with the discussion of the topic of peace. The members of the group use the peace strategy that has already been developed by the Fund “Sukhumi”. Based on the strategy, the participants planned activities that would promote the introduction of a culture of peace. During the meeting held with the youth group, the participants talked about the importance of peace and the necessity of involving young people in this process. The members of the group held actions and expressed their position on September 21 - the International Day of Peace.
International Day of Peace is celebrated on September 21. The Women Initiative Group of the village Koki - Zugdidi municipality joined the campaign. "Let’s make a promise, that we will teach our children tolerance and respect of others. Let's fight for peace and protect it as far as we can" - these were the main messages voiced by the women. As for the youth initiative group of the village Koki, on the International Day of Peace, they once again mentioned that poverty, exhaustible natural resources, inequality, corruption, racism and xenophobia are the best ground for conflict between different groups. According to them, the International Day of Peace is dedicated to the fight against these reasons of conflicts!
International Day of Peace was celebrated by the Youth Initiative Group of the village Didinedzi - Zugdidi municipality. They once again talked about the importance of peace and the role of young people in peace processes. "The Day of Peace should be dedicated to the strengthening of the idea of peace...this day will be a reminder to all peoples, that the United Nations is a living tool in the peace process and it should serve each of us and remind us of our commitment, peace is above all interests and differences" – members of Didinedzi Women Initiative Group spoke about this important issue written in the resolution and adopted by the United Nations in 1981.
The Women's Fund "Sukhumi" is pleased to introduce a research report titled: “Human Security: Assessing Public and Personal Security through a Gender Lens of Population Needs”.
This research aimed to explore the level of human security within the six designated municipalities where our organization operates: Zugdidi, Tsalenjikh, Senak, Kutaisi, Tskaltubo, and Khoni.
The primary objectives of this research were twofold: first, to assess the extent of the population's sense of security, both in the public sphere and within their personal lives; and second, to identify the specific risks and needs that contribute to feelings of vulnerability and insecurity among community members.
By pinpointing these key findings, our aim is to offer strategies and recommendations that can effectively address these issues. Furthermore, we are committed to advocate for positive changes, both locally and on broader scales, encompassing national and international levels.
The report was published within the USAID-supported project - "Bridging the Divide - People-to-People Initiatives for Conflict Resolution"
The project is implemented with the support of the USAID
An online petition was registered at a meeting of Khoni Women Initiative Group together with group members. The aim of the petition is to promote the introduction of a Homeowners' Association development program into the budget of the local municipality.
In frames of the program, the maintenance of the own and common property of the Homeowners’ Association will be ensured with the participation of the municipality. Through projects and activities implemented on the principle of co-financing, the municipality will help the population to improve the environment they live and at the same time, favorable conditions will be created for the development of civil society.
The project is implemented with the support
of the UN Women organization
With the support of Khobi local government and in frames of the memorandum signed with the municipality, the research was conducted and a report “Assessment of the quality of human security and gender needs of women and youth” was published.
The research is based on the Gender Responsive Early Warning System (GREWS). As a result of qualitative and quantitative research, a high level of vulnerability of the population in relation to various categories of human security was revealed.
There are many acute economic, social, and infrastructural problems. The need to strengthen citizen participation in the development of state or local programs was identified, which will help to reflect the population necessities in the local budget and to solve problems. In answer to the challenges reflected in the research, the recommendations were prepared.
Mutual support groups try to identify problems in all municipalities. Groups in Bagdati, Kobuleti, Chokhatauri, Samtredia identified several problems and started to advocate them.
Senaki women's mutual support group is actively working on two cases. The members of the group are women living not only in the city, but also in villages.
The motivated groups of Vani and Terjola, give an example for others on how to solve their own problems.
Tskaltubo mutual support group is the only group composed by IDP women. Members of the group have identified three problems and work with local government to resolve them.
The summer was very active...
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
Tsalenjikha mutual support group identified problems, intends to solve them, and started communication with the social agency.
The Zugdidi mutual support group meets in the village Koki, and the group consists mainly of women from this village. From September, vulnerable groups from different villages will join the group. Representative of local government will attend the meetings - this will facilitate cooperation with government agencies and the advocacy process.
In August, online meetings were held with groups from Tsalenjikha and Zugdidi. Psychologist of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” also took part in the meeting with the Zugdidi group.
From September, greater activity is expected in both groups, which means working on problem solution.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
On August 27, an online information meeting was held with a group of young people, and the participants of the meeting held on September 5 in Zugdidi were women.
The meeting participants got acquainted with the guide developed by the European network WAVE "Prevention and response to gender-based violence in war and post-war conditions - experience and recommendations of women’s NGOs"- https://wave-network. org/wp.../uploads/Toolkit-Georgian.pdf
They received information about the countries represented in the guide and the work of women's organizations. Particular attention was paid to the successful practice of the Women Fund “Sukhumi”, which occupies an important place in the publication.
Participants noted that the Fund “Sukhumi” carries out significant work to strengthen youth and women, and it is valuable that the organization has received international recognition.
The project is implemented with the support of the Urgent Action Fund for
Women's Human Rights
Two online information meetings were held with youth and women (August 26 – with youth group; August 29 – with women’s group). totally 40 participants attended the meetings.
The meeting participants were familiarized with the publication "Prevention and response to gender-based violence in war and post-war conditions - experience and recommendations of women’s NGOs", published by the WAVE network.
During the meetings, information was disseminated about the promising practices of women's organizations, which was presented in the guide, also about the strategies they used during the war and post-war period. The main emphasis was placed on the successful practice of the Women Fund “Sukhumi”, which occupies an important place in the guide.
This innovation raised interest among the participants. They noted that the international recognition of the Fund “Sukhumi” is gratifying, since the organization carries out large-scale and useful work in society.
The project is implemented with the support of the Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights