The women initiative group of the village Pakhulani - Tsalenjikha municipality worked on advocacy of the problems identified within the framework of the research "Assessment of the quality of human security and gender needs of the population". According to the current problems, an advocacy plan was prepared, specific activities were scheduled.

On May 25-27, leaders of women initiative groups gathered in Istanbul. Training on "Evidence-based Advocacy" was held for them. Women from different regions and communities were involved in the work process. They practically participate in the advocacy of various problems, that's why the training was especially interesting for them. The participants reviewed the tree of problems, improved their knowledge about goals, tasks, formulation of expected results, types of advocacy and related issues. They selected priority issues from the problems in their community and worked in groups. They independently drew up a sample advocacy plan and showed presentations. During the training, the leaders of the initiative groups acquired new knowledge, skills, experience, got to know each other better and drafted plans for future.

Members of Senaki women initiative group heard information about the mixed (Georgian, Ossetian and Abkhazian) meeting held in Istanbul. They discussed the importance of face-to-face meetings and the possibility of exchanging information. In the second part of the meeting, the participants analyzed the problems identified as a result of the research and worked on an advocacy plan. Against the background of an interesting discussion, the meeting with the youth group continued. The participants talked about the progress of the mini-project, the obtained results and the emotions that accompanied the performances of the forum theater.

Within the framework of the project "Bridging the Gaps -People to - People Initiatives for Conflict Resolution", a training was held with the members of the women initiative group of the village Koki - Zugdidi municipality. The topic of training was "Evidence-based advocacy". The women discussed the factors hindering the proper implementation of the advocacy process at the local level, identified problems, defined target groups and stakeholders; Draft of the advocacy plan was developed. The youth club of the village Koki held a forum-theatre performance on the topic of media literacy within the framework of the project "Verify information". The project is supported by USAID. In the modern era, it is very important for young people to believe that they can change the reality around them. Forum-theatre is aimed at proving this belief.

Women initiative group of the village Didinedzi - Zugdidi municipality worked on advocacy of the problems identified within the framework of theresearch "Assessment of the quality of human security and gender needs of the population". Didinedzi Youth Forum Theater participants held performances in public schools of Orulu and Koki. The presentations were well received by the audience. Young actors sent the society short and concrete messages against violence. It was shown how a pupils with special needs can be included in various activities together with all other pupils. After the performances, a discussion was held on the issues raised. The youth club held another performance of the Forum Theater in the community of Didinedzi, in front of the village community. The actors presented two scenes on the topic of the conflict.

Empowering and supporting women, identifying cases of violence, advocating for various problems of communities - these are the main directions that determine the activities of the Women Support Centers.

An action was held at  Khurcha (Zugdidi municipality) Women Support Center  - a group of women were made a free blood test; a socially disadvantaged woman in Samtredia was assisted in preparation of necessary documents; in Kobuleti, with the help of a mobilizer, a woman victim of violence was included in the municipal program and her situation improved. In Baghdati and Tsalenjikha, women had the prospect of economic empowerment, as after being informed they were included in economic programs.

Such results were recorded in the June report of Khurcha/Zugdidi, Samtredia, Tsalenjikha, Kobuleti and Baghdati Women Support Centers.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

Brot für die Welt is an authoritative organization that, as a reliable partner and donor, has identified and successfully improved many areas in the activities of the Women Fund “Sukhumi”. The areas are following: violence prevention, monitoring and advocacy, youth empowerment centers, forum theater / shadow theater / puppet theater, rehabilitation centers, support for Ukrainian refugees.

Representatives of Brot für die Welt Kim Kvibuka and Lilian Kurtz listened to the current report, which was presented by the team of Kutaisi head office and Tbilisi representative office of the Women Fund “Sukhumi”  in the form of interesting presentations.

“Thank you for showing us the diversity of your work. It is very impressive what you do and what you strive for. I'm sure you'll have great results!" - said Kim Kwibuka  at the end of the meeting.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

International IDP / Refugee Day was celebrated by the Women Fund "Sukhumi" with the aroma of Sukhumian coffee in Kutaisi Boulevard - for the third time.

Along with coffee brewed on the sand, the guests tasted cookies with painted icing on the theme of Abkhazia.

The chairman of the organization Alla Gamakharia presented certificates of appreciation for friendship and partnership to: Kakha Enukidze (Mayor of Bagdati), Nodar Giorgidze (chairman of Bagdati City Council), Shalva Kirtadze (rector of Kutaisi State University), Ketevan Tskhakaya (head of Imereti Scientists’ Union "Spectrum"), Lado Jurkhadze (Mayor of Khoni), Alu Gamakharia (founder of the Association “Business and Peaceful Caucasus”), Pakizo Panchulidze (Director of Tskaltubo, public school No. 1), Maya Nutsubidze-Kobulia (Director of Tskaltubo, public school No. 4), Eliso Pantskhava (associate professor, translator).

The cycle of information meetings in Bagdati municipality continues. The ordinary meeting was organized by the advocacy group of the Women Fund "Sukhumi" and the Interdepartmental Commission of Bagdati City hall for the prevention of violence against women and / or domestic violence, protection of victims of violence and their assistance. The meeting was held in the village Persati. The meeting was attended by heads and teachers of kindergartens of the villages Zegani, Sakraula and Persati, the head of the association of kindergartens and representatives of the administration.

The coordinator of the children's rights department presented information about the services they provide to vulnerable families. The participants were also provided with detailed information about the work and services of the Fund "Sukhumi". As a problem, the participants named the fact that the victim does not have a guarantee of security, and the work in terms of prevention is weak.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

An active training course continues at the Youth Empowerment Centers.  5 more trainings were held in June,- this time in the municipalities of Senaki, Samtredia, Vani, Kobuleti and Chokhatauri. These were days full of interesting and creative activities.

Young people with leadership qualities were identified in all groups. They began to duplicate what they learned. Summer holidays have begun in schools, but despite this, young people do not slow down the pace of work, they try to hold many initiated events in their schools, towns or villages.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)