As part of civic initiatives, informational meetings on migration issues were held in Zugdidi, Tskaltubo, and Tsalenjikha municipalities.

Participants - women and youth were provided with information about the research of our organization and the guide "Know and Protect Yourself!" The guide aims to inform women, community leaders, and active members of society about available services and assistance. They also received a brochure on how to help children when one parent emigrates.

Migration and domestic violence against women were discussed at the meetings.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

This year, the Women Support Centers have begun their work actively. Mobilizers and para-specialists work together in various communities to ensure that as many women as possible are informed. The introduction of victim support services contributes to the empowerment of women and the prevention of domestic violence.

Informing the public about victim support services is an important part of meetings at Women Support Centers, which serve as the basis for identifying cases and subsequently responding to them.

The meetings have already yielded results. Specific beneficiaries willing to receive existing services have been identified. Based on case analysis, they will be redirected according to their needs.

The meetings were held at Women Support Centers of Vani, Tskaltubo, Khoni, Terjola, and Tsalenjikha.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

It is cold in January, but our rehabilitation center is warm. The fire in the fireplace makes this place even cozier.

Iamze Gumberidze provides legal consultation to one of the guests. Lela Uzarashvili entertains the children.

Psychologist Ekaterine Kvachakidze shares her emotions: "We wanted to create a festive atmosphere for our guests on the “old” New Year, and it turned out very well. There was fun, music, therapy, and an exchange of good wishes. Four-year-old Luka was especially happy... Those who address the rehabilitation center require psychological, physical, and social support. Their families are in difficult financial situations, and our work is aimed at improving the beneficiaries' psychosocial well-being, restoring their emotional stability, and facilitating their reintegration into society. The process joins an individualized approach, taking into account evaluation of needs and psychological condition of a person.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

The problem of violence against women remains a pressing issue. Informational meetings held in communities confirm this. Participants note that the number of families under the risk of violence has increased:

"Unfortunately, psychological violence still goes unrecognized. Many women consider it normal. This attitude prevents them from understanding the problem. The number of cases has increased, but women often avoid talking about it."

"When a conflict between spouses remains unresolved for months, physical violence can occur at any moment."

Meeting participants discuss problems and solutions. They believe that support for women should be ongoing. Therefore, they pay particular attention to such meetings.

"We must provide women with information; everyone should know how to protect themselves in difficult situation; whom to address and call, and what types of assistances are available".

Meetings were held at Women Support Centers of Kutaisi, Senaki, Zugdidi, and Khobi.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

In one of the IDP collective centers of Kutaisi, women's mutual assistance group initiates the rehabilitation of a playground. Our organization is providing financial support, and everyone—fathers, grandfathers—participates in the work. Soon, children will be able to play on this playground, and it will bring joy to everyone.

The project is implemented by a coalition of non-governmental organizations: the Association of IDP Women "Consent," the Women's Information Center, and Charity Humanitarian Women Fund “Sukhumi”.

A workshop was held in Senaki with a group of women on the topic “Identification, Support, and Response to Violence Against Women in Local Communities.” The meeting aimed to inform participants about the nature of domestic violence, its various forms, as well as existing victim support services and response mechanisms.

During the workshop, participants discussed the factors that hinder the early identification of women at risk of violence. The women noted that domestic violence remains one of the most severe social problems and requires stronger and more effective resources from the state. According to them, existing services are often insufficient to ensure timely and effective responses to cases of violence.

Special attention was paid to the role of kindergartens and schools in the process of identifying violence. Participants emphasized that children are often the first to reflect family conflicts; however, effective response is frequently complicated by resistance from parents, especially mothers, which ultimately contributes to the concealment of violence.

Workshop participants also highlighted that a significant barrier to identification is the lack of information about available victim support services. Many women are unaware of existing assistance mechanisms and attempt to cope with the problem on their own, which in many cases leads to serious consequences.

The project is implemented with the support of CISU

An informational meeting on violence prevention and women’s legal rights was held in Khoni. During the meeting, participants received information about different forms of violence and the legal mechanisms available to protect survivors, including contacting the police, protective and restrictive orders, as well as access to shelters and crisis centers.

Following the meeting, a lawyer provided individual consultations to three women. The discussions covered issues related to domestic violence, psychological violence against a minor (in the context of school bullying), and legal aspects of a criminal case concerning the protection of a family member.

“It is important for women to know that the law is a tool for their protection and that receiving support is truly possible,” the lawyer noted.

Women’s Fund “Sukhumi” continues its work to protect women’s rights and prevent violence, including in the regions, ensuring that legal support is accessible to all women.

The project is implemented with the support of CISU

An informational meeting was held in Khoni aimed at raising awareness about violence and supporting participants. The main goal of the meeting was to create a safe space where women could receive reliable information about their rights, learn how to recognize violence, and feel that they are not alone in their experiences.

According to the psychologist, special attention during the meetings is given to different forms of violence, their impact on a person’s mental and emotional well-being, and the pathways that make access to support possible:

“People often live in violent environments in ways that gradually become normalized. During these meetings, many participants realize for the first time what violence is and why it should not be tolerated,” the psychologist explains.

During the meeting held in Khoni, one participant recognized for the first time that psychological pressure is a form of violence. After receiving information and support, she was referred for legal consultation. When needed, participants are also offered services from the rehabilitation center of Women’s Fund ‘Sukhumi’.

Participants themselves also speak about the importance of these meetings:

“Here I realized that my pain was not normal and that I am able to seek help,” says one beneficiary.

Another participant highlights the empowering role of knowledge:

“Knowledge gave me strength, and after this, I will tell my husband that enough is enough.”

According to the psychologist, such meetings often become the first step toward change — when a person becomes aware of their situation, receives support, and begins searching for safe ways forward:

“This is the significance of these meetings. People living in violent environments and perceiving it as normal begin to recognize reality and understand that violence should not be tolerated and that help is available.”

The project is implemented with the support of CISU

In Khoni Municipality, a local women’s leader, Nazi Jiqia, conducted an information and awareness-raising meeting dedicated to identifying domestic violence against women and the existing response mechanisms. The meeting was held within the framework of an ongoing project supported by the Women’s Fund “Sukhumi.”

During the discussion, participants explored in detail the different forms of domestic violence, its early warning signs, and the practical steps that are essential for supporting survivors and ensuring timely responses. Special attention was given to survivor-centred approaches and the local support mechanisms available within the community.

According to participants’ feedback, the meeting had a strong impact on their awareness and self-perception:
“All the information was extremely important. It helped me see my own role in this issue differently.”
“It was very interesting to go through the forms of violence in detail and receive guidance on how a survivor can be identified.”
“I learned that a survivor can apply to Khoni City Hall and benefit from the municipal programme.”
“Meetings like this are essential - more people need to have access to such important information.”

The event once again highlighted that awareness, knowledge of local resources, and solidarity are critically important for the prevention of domestic violence and for effective response.

The project is implemented with the support of CISU

On December 17, a workshop was held in Zugdidi with a group of women on the topic: “Identification, Support, and Response to Domestic Violence against Women in Local Communities.”

During the workshop, participants received information on the forms and dynamics of domestic violence, available support services and mechanisms for survivors, as well as early identification of women at risk and appropriate response strategies.

The meeting was conducted in a discussion-based format, creating a safe space for women to openly and actively share their views and personal experiences. The discussions highlighted that domestic violence is still widely perceived as a private family matter, which often discourages intervention and reinforces silence.

Participants emphasized that silence does not ensure safety and that timely intervention and access to information are crucial. Particular attention was paid to the issue of social stigma, which frequently forces women to hide violence due to fear of judgment and exclusion. According to participants, such families exist in every community, yet community passivity remains a significant challenge.

Workshop participants agreed that every woman should have access to information about available support services for survivors of violence. Awareness increases readiness to seek help and plays a vital role in the prevention and effective management of domestic violence cases.

The project is implemented with the support of CISU