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

A professional training on Technology-Facilitated Intimate Partner Violence (TF-IPV) has been successfully completed, led by lawyer Ana Tavkhelidze. The training was organised with the support of the WAVE Network, within the framework of the project:
“Invisible No More: Recognising and Responding to Technology-Facilitated Violence in Intimate Partner Relationships.”

Delivered using a Training of Trainers approach, the programme combined theory and practice, including case-based discussions, analysis of response mechanisms, safety planning, and survivor-centred support strategies.

The aim of the training was to strengthen the professional knowledge and practical skills of the Women’s Fund “Sukhumi” staff in identifying technology-facilitated violence, applying legal response mechanisms, ensuring timely protection, and preventing secondary victimisation.

Participants’ Feedback

“The training was highly informative and rich in practical examples. The skills we gained will help us better support the communities we work with,” — Tea Goletiani, Monitoring Group.

“Theoretical content reinforced by real cases helped us better understand the psychological impact of technology-facilitated violence,” — Eka Kvachakidze, Psychologist.

“Despite being a one-day training, it covered an impressive range of essential issues, especially practical response mechanisms,” — Ema Kamkia, Monitoring Group.

“Working with young people shows that technology-facilitated violence is already part of their daily reality. This knowledge is crucial for prevention and timely response,” — Nino Chabukiani, Project Assistant of Youth Programme.

As a result of the training, the staff of the Women’s Fund “Sukhumi” significantly enhanced their professional capacity in the field of TF-IPV. The knowledge gained will support earlier identification of online and technology-facilitated violence, effective safety planning, appropriate response mechanisms, and the prevention of secondary victimisation.

The project is implemented with the support of the WAVE Network

The final meeting in Senaki was very joyful. The basic course of cutting and sewing has completed. Over the past two months, the women have learned a lot and received certificates.

Each of them received a solid theoretical and practical basis, and now everything depends on their diligence.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

During the 16-day campaign, debates and meetings of various formats were held, thematic film screenings and discussions were organized, and films with social messages were created.

Community leaders actively shared essential information with meeting participants—about rights and services that support women under the risk of violence.

The main focus of the activities was preventing violence against women, raising awareness, and ensuring a safe, non-violent environment.

People of different generations and positions were involved in the process. Against the background of the international protest, their message resonated even louder: No to violence against women!

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany

Violence is evil! We condemn violence! We will not allow conflict escalation!

This is precisely what these young women and men messaged us during the 16-Day Campaign. After the training sessions, members of the Youth Empowerment Centers organized mini-campaigns in their schools, held informational meetings with peers, distributed relevant materials, and thus added their voice of protest to the campaign of "16 Active Days  Against Gender-based Violence".

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

During the final meeting, the graduates presented their very beautiful works. Two months of training, work, and internship at Kutaisi Day Center completed successfully. Alongside their studies, they periodically attended group and individual therapy sessions with a psychologist. This is precisely why the women achieved such good results: they mastered a new profession, increased their self-esteem, expressed satisfaction and gratitude, received certificates. They hope that they will apply their acquired knowledge in practice.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

The Forum Theatre worked actively in December. Performances were held indoors, outdoors and in parks.

During all performances, discussions were held. The audience spoke about the need for public awareness, which helps reduce violence.

Young actors joined the 16-day campaign and loudly and theatrically condemned violence, calling on audiences to prevention.

Our organization's Forum Theatre has new plans for the New Year. New performances will be added to existing ones, and performances will be held for new audiences, addressing serious issues of conflict and violence—again, using the language of theatre.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)