Members of Khoni Women Initiative Group summarized the results of the work done within the framework of the project during online meeting. They got acquainted with blogs that cover their activities. Particular emphasis was placed on issues that are currently being advocated. Meeting with the representative of local government was held in order to assess the dynamics of problem advocacy.
The project is implemented with the support
of the UN Women organization
Ekaterine Gamakharia, the head of the Tbilisi representative office of "Women's Fund Sukhumi," participated in the 25th international conference organized by the WAVE network in Madrid. The conference focused on the topic of "Institutional violence and its impact on women's rights in Europe." Approximately 200 women's rights defenders from various European countries discussed institutional violence against women, female migrants, and disabled individuals who have experienced abuse at the hands of state structures.
During the conference, Ekaterine Gamakharia took part in a parallel panel discussion with representatives from the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) and non-governmental organizations that are partners of the WAVE network. These organizations, including the Center "Women's Perspectives" in Lviv, Ukraine; the Sexual Assault Crisis Center in Yerevan, Armenia; and the "United Women of Banja Luka" Foundation in Bosnia & Herzegovina, provided insights into the project. Gamakharia had the opportunity to share information about the toolkit titled "Prevention and response to gender-based violence in the war and post-war period: Experience and recommendations of women's non-governmental organizations." The toolkit describes the experiences and best practices of women's organizations in Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina in preventing and responding to violence against conflict-affected women in war, protracted conflict, and post-conflict settings. The toolkit can be accessed here
How to combat gender stereotypes, how to break the cycle of violence, how accessible existing services are, what are the mechanisms to support and empower the women victims - these issues were discussed by participants during information meetings held in Women Support Centers.
Participants believe that the role of education is valuable in the process of destroying gender stereotypes. The need to introduce appropriate programs as a component of women empowerment in the economic direction was emphasized.
During the entire month, eight families under the crisis were identified. Mobilizers of Women Support Centers actively cooperate with them and offer beneficiaries the necessary services.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
With this slogan, the Women Fund "Sukhumi" joins the international information campaign "16 active days against gender-based violence."
The campaign started on November 25 and will end on December 10.
Our organization has been an active participant of the campaign for 21 years.
This information leaflet was prepared for the campaign and printed in large edition.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
In recent months, Ukrainians receive vouchers from the Women Fund “Sukhumi”. Depending on the number of family members, one, two or three vouchers worth 100 GEL are issued. Within a month, they can use vouchers to buy necessary products. As Ukrainians note, this system is convenient and practical for them.
In November, 32 families received assistance in the form of vouchers. There are currently 370 people in our database who receive our support. 13 new beneficiaries were added this month.
Although our organization cannot solve many of the challenges and needs of Ukrainian refugees, they greatly appreciate our support.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Psychological consultations and psychotherapeutic sessions are part of the assistance that our organization provides to refugees from Ukraine.
The psychologist of the Women Fund “Sukhumi”, Manana Gotsiridze, actively worked with these people in November. Many years of experience in psycho-rehabilitation of IDPs helps her to understand the emotions of Ukrainians and to choose the best method to work with them. This is why the beneficiaries express pleasure when communicating with her.
During a month, representatives of 6 families contacted a psychologist, and 18 people received consultations. Three of them attend individual psychotherapy sessions.
According to them, this is a great support for Ukrainians living in Kutaisi.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
There is a beautiful village - Pirveli maisi (first of May) in Khobi municipality. Our psychologist Manana Gotsiridze visited the village for the first time to talk with women working in the kindergarten.
The initiator of the meeting, Nino Uridia, is the mobilizer of the Women Support Center. After the meeting, she said that she did not expect so much benefit from one meeting. Women Support Center was recently opened in Khobi, and there is little information about the benefits of psychological consultations.
At the end of the meeting, the women mentioned:
- How quickly time flew by. I wanted to talk and listen more.
- I learned so many interesting and useful things.
- I looked at life in different way, reevaluated my priorities.
- I thought about my behavior, emotions, what I do and how it affects me.
- Thanks to everyone who prepared this meeting and especially to the psychologist.
- Please, visit us more often.
In addition to this meeting, the psychologist conducted 14 psychotherapeutic sessions in Kutaisi and 11 individual online consultations with beneficiaries living in different regions. She talked to one boy individually and, with the help of art therapy, helped him adapt to school and overcome his fear of failure.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Psychologist of the Women Fund "Sukhumi" Ekaterine Kvachakidze held group and individual meetings in the Women Support Centers of Terjola, Samtredia, Kobuleti, Zugdidi and Vani. Among the participants there were: victims of violence, representatives of families under crisis, school teachers.
The main topic of the group meetings was “The impact of traumatic experiences on the victim and abuser”. People with traumatic experiences often suffer from psychological stress. In such a situation, it is necessary to work individually with children, work with families, teachers, as a result of which we will get an effective impact.
The meetings were held in question-and-answer mode. The participants showed activity and goodwill. According to them, such meetings are necessary and useful.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
A workshop on prevention of violence against women and/or domestic violence, protection and assistance to victims of violence, for members of the Municipal Interdepartmental Commission was held in Vani.
Participants reviewed strategies, which will help to solve specific cases. We discussed the obligations of each member of the commission to operate effectively.
During the workshop it was noted that the commission should contribute to the prevention of violence and timely assistance to victims. It is necessary to review the composition and add members so that the commission can work more actively and achieve more results.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
Trainings of the six-month course are carried out according to plan. 5 trainings were conducted at the Youth Empowerment Centers of Chokhatauri, Samtredia, Senaki, Kobuleti and Terjola.
It was a discussion of actual issues, problems, group and individual work, which arouse great interest among young people. Parents and teachers of the participants attended the meetings. The active involvement of schools and families is a great incentive for us.
Our initiative should be mentioned - in new groups, together with trainers from the Women Fund “Sukhumi”, graduates conduct trainings on topics that are interesting for them. It has particular importance in our work.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)