This policy brief presents the findings of a quantitative research study conducted by The Women's Fund "Sukhumi" in 10 targeted municipalities from March to May 2024. The study, which included 1027 female respondents, assesses women's safety and identifies the risks contributing to their feelings of threat and insecurity. Key findings highlight poverty and unemployment as the primary threats, with a noted increase in migration inclination compared to the previous year.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
On June 8 and 9 the Women's Fund 'Sukhumi' organized training for regional journalists and students from the Faculty of Journalism at Akaki Tsereteli State University on gender disinformation and gender-responsive reporting. The training aimed to increase the participants' awareness and skills in identifying gender disinformation and practicing gender-sensitive reporting.
The training was attended by 18 journalists from media outlets operating in Imereti, including those from TV and radio, online media agencies, and independent bloggers, as well as 1st to 4th-year students from the Faculty of Journalism at Akaki Tsereteli State University.
The participants evaluated the training as useful and informative. They emphasized the importance of the knowledge and skills they acquired, which they plan to use in their daily activities. Discussing real examples and practical recommendations contributed to a better understanding of the problems and helped identify effective ways to combat gender misinformation.
The Women's Fund "Sukhumi" launched a new campaign about gender disinformation with the slogan "Embrace the truth, reject gender disinformation."
As part of the campaign, we run an Instagram page called womenfundsukhumi. You can follow us and read our informative posts, particularly about what gender disinformation is and the myths and stereotypes that exist.
Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/womenfundsukhumi/
And on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@womenfundsukhumi?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Psychologist Manana Gotsiridze conducted rehabilitation sessions mainly online: 9 phone calls and 12 meetings on Internet platforms.
The work also took place in the office of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” - 10 psychotherapeutic consultations were held.
All beneficiaries received appropriate competent assistance, necessary information and advice. They were able to focus on the positive moments.
The psychologist actively worked in the rehabilitation center of the Fund “Sukhumi”, with three women and two children. Before leaving, one of them said: “I didn’t want to come here, but now I’m very happy. The center staff created a pleasant, warm family environment for us. A psychologist, a social worker, and a lawyer worked with us. My love for life, faith and joy returned to me. Thank you very much!"
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The monitoring group of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” started to work on a new research, the aim of which is to study the effectiveness of existing services for victims of violence against women/domestic violence and develop recommendations for improving efficiency in order to identify necessary strategies and new approaches.
Information will be collected on existing (and/or planned) services for victims of violence against women/domestic violence. The work of service providers will be presented, the attitudes, moods and expectations of recipients/beneficiaries of services will be studied. To find best practices in this regard, the monitoring team will review various documents.
In May, 10 in-depth interviews with beneficiaries were conducted, which made it possible to study the current situation in this regard based on specific cases.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Informing the public about victim support services is an important segment of the meetings of the Women Support Centers, on the basis of which cases are identified and responded. This is where women's needs are becoming obvious. The meetings have already brought results. Specific beneficiaries have appeared who are ready to receive existing services. Based on the case analysis, they were redirected in a subsequent way.
The meetings were held in Terjola, Bagdati, Kobuleti, Samtredia and Khobi municipalities. Violence prevention and victim identification remains the main direction of work of Women Support Centers.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
“It’s important for us to have a space where we can talk about all topics that don’t fit into the lesson format. We get to know each other’s thoughts and can share our knowledge with others. It helps to prevent conflict and violence”. - These are the words of one of the training participants.
Training courses actively continue at the Youth Empowerment Centers. Trainings on the reasons of conflicts, gender equality and stereotypes were held in Khobi and Tsalenjikha municipalities.
During the trainings, actual topics are discussed and initiated events are organized. Young people have a high interest in non-formal education and motivation to work.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Mastering a new profession and occupational therapy are the best methods for increasing self-esteem and motivation. The day rehabilitation center of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” often makes such beneficial changes in people's lives. Having gained knowledge, women continue to work independently.
This time, under our umbrella, a new cutting and sewing course has started in Senaki municipality. The sewing salon “MK” has become a basic center for training in practical skills and a partner of the project as it has high social responsibility.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Information meetings initiated by the Women Support Centers of the Fund “Sukhumi” continue in various communities. It is still important to inform the public about assistance and support services for victims of domestic violence. Women participants discuss problems of society, women's needs and look for ways of their solution.
In May, families under the crisis were identified - they will be the users of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” services. Early response to conflicts is aimed at violence prevention, which is very important.
The meetings were held at Women Support Centers of Zugdidi, Tsalenjikha, Senaki, Vani and Chokhatauri.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The training course at the Youth Empowerment Centers continued from the beginning of May. Trainings on the issues of conflict and gender-based violence were held in Zugdidi, Chokhatauri and Senaki municipalities.
Young people actively participated in the discussions – active leaders were identified. They are ready to share obtained information in their society.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)