The forum theater performances were in Kutaisi Youth Park. During the performances, there was an active discussion with the audience and a search for ways out of the situation in terms of violence.

The conversation was mainly attended by women who told stories of violence (only actors are in the photos, the audience abstains).

According to the young actors, their voices and important messages should reach many people, since facts of violence are often met.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

At the end of August, an ordinary meeting of Kutaisi mutual assistance group was held. The group members discussed the issue of creating a treasury. They talked about financial contributions and their use, the rights and responsibilities of responsible persons.

One of the issues was increasing the competence of group members through trainings. The training on women's leadership was of particular importance for the group.

The group members are already leaders in the community and have the knowledge necessary to identify needs and solve priority problems of communities. They also care about social change through the implementation of civil initiatives.

The topic of discussion at the ordinary information meeting of Khoni mutual assistance group was the creation of a treasury account and the election of a treasurer. This initiative will increase responsibility and targeted, effective management and disposal of common finances in the IDP community.

The participants focused on the knowledge and skills acquired during the trainings and how they can use them in practice.

During the meeting, the problems existing in the settlement were noted. The group was provided with information on the needs research that they should conduct. In conclusion, the participants discussed future plans and the implementation of civic initiatives in the community.

At the next information meeting, members of Tskaltubo mutual assistance group discussed an amendment to the charter concerning the creation of a treasury account.

This initiative involves voluntary donations, the introduction of an internal savings system in order to master the basics of financial management and improve financial literacy.

At the meeting, attention was paid to the topic of leadership, which was of particular interest to the group members.

Once again, problems and common needs of different settlements were recorded, which are planned to be solved through joint efforts and civil initiatives, after conducting a needs research.

Poti mutual assistance group gathered for another information meeting. The group members discussed an important change made to the charter - the creation and introduction of a treasury account.

The initiative is aimed at increasing responsibility in the IDP settlement and effective management - the use of common financial resources.

The meeting discussed leadership competencies developed as a result of trainings, which will help the group members in the process of needs research.

The meeting participants once again emphasized the importance of social activity. The problems of individual residential houses and common needs were identified, which are planned to be addressed jointly, through civil initiatives.

A training on “Leadership for IDPs and Rural Women” was held in Kutaisi at the “Argo” Hotel. The training was attended by members of mutual assistance groups from the municipalities of Kutaisi, Tskaltubo, Khoni, Khashuri and Sachkhere.

This training opened a series of trainings planned within the framework of the project “Women Act for Peace and Strengthening Local Communities”. The goal of the trainings is to prepare members of mutual assistance groups, equipping them with relevant knowledge and skills to strengthen social work in IDP communities and in conflict affected communities. 

According to the participants, the training was interesting, active, dynamic and productive.

The first part of the training was devoted to the discussion of women's leadership, leadership characteristics and main components. The second part continued with simulation exercises and thematic videos. During active interaction, the participants showed the importance of presentation, self-presentation and public speaking. According to them, the development of women's leadership is important for identifying and solving women's needs. Other groups will also undergo training on the topic of leadership, and this group will work on a new topic.

"Leadership for IDPs and rural women" - the second training on this topic was held in Zugdidi, at the “Dadiani Inn” hotel, with the participation of women - members of a mutual assistance group. This time the training was organized by the Women's Information Center, and members of mutual assistance groups from Senaki, Poti, Tsalenjikha, Mestia and Zugdidi took part in it.

The trainer and the participants discussed the essence and features of leadership, found out what positive changes the development of women's leadership will bring to the community, and emphasized the importance of self-presentation and public speaking.

The training was held within the framework of the project "Women Act for Peace and Strengthening the Local Community".

Members of Senaki mutual assistance group meet regularly and actively work in accordance with the activities defined by the project. The group members discussed the format and regulations for creating a fund/treasury. They discussed the forms of accounting for financial donations and the mechanisms for their use. Responsible persons, their rights and responsibilities were identified.

In order to improve their professional development and competence, the group members have already completed trainings on women's leadership, identification and prioritization of problems. One of the questions at the meeting was devoted to discussing the topic of women's leadership.

According to the group members, trainings on community leadership are important for their development and will contribute to the identification of priority problems and social change in IDP communities.

Women Support Centers understand how important it is to disseminate information about victim assistance services. In August, meetings with women's groups continued. In parallel with information, communication with beneficiaries continues.

Women have already addressed the mobilizers for help and consultations. Six new cases were recorded in the communities of Kutaisi, Khoni, Vani and Tsalenjikha. Identification of new cases means that assistance opportunities have expanded. Each woman has already received information about who to contact and what services to use.

Para-specialists of the centers are actively involved in the identification process. The success of social work depends on the trust of the beneficiaries and the desire to cooperate.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

Women support centers actively worked in various communities and held informational meetings. Mobilizers provided participants with information about services and programs for victim assistance.

During the informational meetings, priority issues were identified that were relevant for communities in terms of violence against women. Participants of the meetings in Senaki, Khobi, Chokhatauri, Terjola, Tskaltubo and Zugdidi emphasized the need to support women who have suffered from violence so that they do not feel alone.

In August, five families under the risk group were identified - all families became active users of the services of the Fund “Sukhumi”. The participants of the meetings disseminate the information received, which helps attract new beneficiaries and is important for the prevention of violence.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)