The Head of Women Fund “Sukhumi” Tbilisi Office, Ekaterine Gamakharia, participated in the Global Peace Conference “Peace Connect” held on 13–17 October 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, as a representative of the South Caucasus region within the GPPAC network.
The conference brought together more than 500 peacebuilders from 90 countries, creating an important space for cooperation, knowledge sharing, and solidarity. Despite the geographical distance and the diversity of contexts among participants, it became evident that people working for peace in different parts of the world face many similar challenges. The exchange of experiences and ideas inspired new energy and a shared vision for building a just and peaceful world.
The discussions during the conference were diverse and insightful. Participants reflected on the state of global peace and security and the 25-year journey of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, focusing on the achievements, remaining challenges, and the next steps forward. Particular attention was given to the importance of women’s participation and leadership, the resilience and solidarity of peacebuilders, the sustainability of local initiatives in a restricted civic space, and the future directions of peacebuilding.
A significant part of the conference was dedicated to exploring the role of art in promoting messages of peace, showing how music, poetry, and visual arts can raise awareness, foster empathy, and bring people together when words are no longer enough.
According to Ekaterine: “Being part of this space was a profoundly meaningful experience for me. It is deeply inspiring to see how courageously and faithfully people engaged in peace work continue their efforts in challenging and complex realities. Listening to their experiences gives you strength, motivation, and a deeper sense of responsibility. You realize that you are not alone, and that your everyday work is part of a shared mission. Solidarity, empathy, mutual support, and learning from one another bring new perspectives and strengthen the belief that progress is possible even when circumstances are difficult. Peace Connect once again reminded us that connection and cooperation reinforce our collective effort to build a just, peaceful, and equal world.”
Sukhumi Fund’s innovative project is already assisting hundreds of women across 10 municipalities in Western Georgia.
Paraprofessionals are not psychologists or social workers, yet they form the first line of support in the community.
Watch the feature to see how paraprofessionals contribute to social work in preventing domestic and gender-based violence.
In October, women from one of Samegrelo municipalities visited our rehabilitation center.
They worked with a psychologist, a lawyer, and a social worker. The psychologist met them frequently and held sessions, so she can tell us more:
"Through daily communication, their inner personality gradually opened up. They said they had never spoken out loud about the problems they had carried within for years. One of them had been conditioned to obey since childhood, and now, as an adult, she clearly understands the harm this unspoken obedience has caused, but she can't change anything..."
I listened to her story, and she felt relieved. She didn't want the conversation to end because she was listened."
The women left notes. Fragments from their letters:
"The place where I rest is a spiritual paradise"...
"I think how wonderful life would be if I lived differently"...
"This is a place where I could think about a happy future and, I think, I will definitely free myself from the memories of the past. I love you"...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
How important are the informational meetings held at Women Support Centers? How do women use the information they receive? What difficulties do they face, and what support do they need? - Women who participated in the meetings answered these and other questions.
- Receiving and using information serves to violence prevention. Therefore, we strive to disseminate all information and provide it to those who truly need it, - was mentioned during the meetings.
Participants also discussed women's needs. Migration, youth unemployment, and high levels of aggression in society are pressing issues for them.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Special guests from Germany – representatives of our donor organization "Bread for the World": Dorothea Wolf, Claudia Hinderer, and Alina Hirschmeier visited the Women's Charitable Humanitarian Fund “Sukhumi”
At the beginning of the visit, we presented our work in the following areas: Women Support Centers, Youth Empowerment Centers, Rehabilitation Center, Day Centers, Forum Theater, Peacebuilding Component, Monitoring and Advocacy, and Informational sector.
The Youth Forum Theater presented a performance in English in the courtyard of our office, which delighted the guests.
The guests were familiarized with the activities of the Day Centers in Kutaisi and Senaki, interacted with participants of polymer clay and sewing courses, and praised the women for their diligence and beautiful handicrafts.
In Senaki, they met with activists from the Women Support Center, and in Tskaltubo, they participated in training with youth.
All this made a great impression on our donors. They noted that, despite the difficulties and challenges, the Fund “Sukhumi” continues to successfully work with women and youth, which is gratifying and commendable.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
In 10 municipalities of Western Georgia, youthful energy has flared up again – a new era, new groups, and new ideas have begun! In frames of the project, groups of young participants have been formed, who will undergo a series of trainings on conflict management and violence prevention over the next six months.
The initial meetings were characterized by warmth, trust, and activism. For young people, this space has become a place where they can speak frankly and then act – against violence together with their peers.
During the discussions, young people share their experiences, learn peaceful conflict resolution, respectful communication, and ways to recognize and prevent violence.
"I understand that change starts with me. I want my friends to understand the importance of peaceful relationships and mutual understanding," said one participant.
The young people want to use the knowledge they have gained in their daily lives, creating an environment where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and violence has no place.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Our organization carries out a charitable and humanitarian mission and, of course, provides women with various support and assistance. One of these activities is distributing mobile phones to members of women's mutual assistance groups. Today, everyone needs a mobile phone as a means of communication and a source of information.
Therefore, in October, the organization donated new mobile phones to women who had difficulty in using their phones in Senaki, Kutaisi, and Terjola. This means their communication and awareness will improve.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
Women's mutual assistance groups have begun implementing initiatives.
The groups presented 18 initiatives, eight of which were funded by our organization.
In early October, the initiative authors received materials and tools, and they will begin their work.
Project Assistant Nino Chabukiani notes: "Implementing the initiatives is a great support for people from vulnerable groups. It contributes to women's economic empowerment and is a significant incentive for them and their families. Therefore, everyone who received funding is grateful to our organization. The groups have become even more motivated to work. Those who did not receive funding are now preparing for the second stage."
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
The women's mutual assistance group meetings took place in an unusual way. Everyone saw the results and benefits of the work. The winning initiatives, and those that did not receive funding, and future plans were discussed.
An initiative has begun in Senaki – the poultry farm will be further developed. In Khobi, motors for pumps were purchased, needed for the IDP community. In Tsalenjikha, women were given a sewing machine and a freezer – just what they wanted for their business.
In Terjola, two winners were given tools and materials needed for their micro-business. They took part in the festival – City Day – where they presented their creations: bags, brooches, collars, various accessories...
Funding of initiatives is a great incentive for mutual assistance group members. In the second stage, everyone will join because they have seen that women's mutual assistance groups are truly designed to help and strengthen each other.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
Evaluation of the survey process, achievements and challenges, and discussion of a sample initiative form - this was the topic and goal of the mutual assistance group "Community Power" meeting in Khoni.
In the IDP settlement on Abkhazeti Street, 108 IDPs - 80 women and 28 men were interviewed on the following community needs: infrastructure, public spaces, and access to services.
Primary data is available for all three areas. The group members will present the results of the IDP survey. Then, by mutual agreement, they will select a priority issue and begin the necessary preparations for funding the initiative.
The project is implemented by a coalition of non-governmental organizations: the Association of IDP Women "Consent," the Women's Information Center, and Women's Charitable Humanitarian Fund “Sukhumi”.