The first publication of the Fund “Sukhumi” was "Women's Voice", a newsletter of small format, published at Kutaisi printing house on November 29, 2001. "Women's Voice" has been a periodical printed publication of the organization for years, with different print-run, which covered many directions of our work.
In parallel with magazines and newspapers, within different directions of its activities the Fund "Sukhumi" publishes reports, methodological handbooks, analytical articles, policy documents, manuals and guides.
Working with youth is one of the priority areas of the Fund "Sukhumi". The activities carried out by the organization, imply the provision of non-formal education to young people and the development their specific skills and competencies. It mainly pertains to promoting unacceptability of violence against women and spreading the culture of non-violence and tolerance, building capacity in conflict management and prevention, which is implemented with the active cooperation with the schools and educational institutions.
There is little space in the country that can be used by young people for informal education, communication and entertainment; this is a serious challenge in the regions, especially for the youth, living in villages.
Conflict Management Groups and Youth Clubs were functioning under the auspices of the Fund "Sukhumi" in 12 municipalities of Western Georgia for three years. On their basis, Youth Centers are created, which contribute to the development of youth, raising their leadership and creative capacities. In this regard, the Fund has extensive experience: under its leadership, the School of Leader Girls has functioned for many years, which has empowered and motivated many IDP girls and became a stepping-stone for their personal and professional growth and success.
It is proved that in the early age, young people develop archetypes of behavior that can affect both their life and society. Therefore, the Fund "Sukhumi" pays particular attention to work with youth, especially with boys - to contribute to the formation of non-violent behavior and self-awareness.
Since 2001, Fund “Sukhumi” actively works on issues of domestic violence against women, though raising awareness of population and promoting zero tolerance against domestic violence. A rehabilitation Day Center for Victims of Violence functions under the aegis of the Fund "Sukhumi", where victims of violence are provided psychological assistance, legal advice, professional courses and assisted in further employment.
Through systematic monitoring, the organization studies and analyzes the effectiveness of legal and social protection mechanisms against domestic violence, assesses the quality of provided services by the actors of the referral system and level of their coordination.
Fund “Sukhumi” also assesses the quality of existing support services for the victims of domestic violence and how they meet the needs and priorities of the beneficiaries. All findings and recommendations are reflected in the reports and policy documents of the organization and communicated to different stakeholders and decision-makers at the local and national level. The “Women Support Centers” established by the Fund “Sukhumi”, are constantly collecting information about local problems and needs, mobilizing and informing citizens, and engaging them in the advocacy process.
From the day of its foundation to the present day, the Fund "Sukhumi" has been continuously involved in confidence-building between conflict divided societies, peacebuilding and positive transformation of the conflict. Long lasting cooperation with partner organizations operating in Abkhazia and the study of the peacebuilding experience of various countries have laid the foundation for numerous partnership projects aimed at increasing the role of women and raising trust in the process of peacebuilding and conflict transformation. Numerous researches and surveys were undertaken within the frames of joint projects. Policy papers, analysis, methodological guidelines dedicated to peace and security and innovative perspectives on conflict transformation were published and spread.
Through the trainings, information meetings and discussions, the Fund "Sukhumi" actively works with population (women - IDPs, youth) in the direction of rethinking the past, destroying the enemy image created by the conflict, reducing tension and spreading a culture of peace.
Fund "Sukhumi" developed and launched community-based Gender Responsive Early Warning System (GREWS). Using the gender indicators, the organization constantly monitors the situation of IDP and conflict affected women and girls, as well as the level of their
One of the main activities of the Fund "Sukhumi" is promoting gender equality and creating a favourable ground for women’s participation in local planning and budgeting, as well as in being represented in decision-making positions.
Organization is engaged in educational, consultative, monitoring and advocacy activities to improve laws, policies and practices that strengthen the vulnerable groups and promote equality between women and men, and their equal participation in various areas of public life.
Promoting social, economic and political development of women by building women capacities, raising their social and legal awareness, supporting them to develop themselves as equal partners, active citizens and central decision-makers.
The chairperson of the organization since the foundation day is Alla Gamakharia.
On September 24, 2021 the meeting of founders elected Tea Torinava as an Executive Directorof the organization.
Board members:
1. Alla Gamakharia
2. Meri Gelashvili
3. Ekaterine Gamakharia
4. Tamar Kukhalashvili
5. Nino Chabukiani
Our name contains the word "Sukhumi" - this is the name of our beloved city, the capital of Abkhazia.
Majority of the organization's staff is from Abkhazia, who had to flee Abkhazia as a result of the armed conflict in 1992-1993 and now they live in different parts of Georgia with internally displaced person’s (IDP) status.
At that time, many problems associated with internal displacement could only be solved by uniting and supporting each other. This was the main reason and purpose of establishment of the Cultural-Humanitarian Fund "Sukhumi". Initially, it had a charity mission, but over time, the areas of the organization’s activities expanded, and it became one of the strongest civil society organizations in the country. For more than 25 years, the organization has been actively working towards gender equality, elimination of violence against women, promotion of culture of nonviolence and women’s political empowerment. It is actively engaged in peacebuilding and strives to ensure women’s meaningful participation in this process.