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.”
The "students" began their training with great interest.
At the request of activists of Senaki Women Support Center, a day center was opened. There are participants who have begun to study sewing and cutting.
The training is held in Senaki Community Educational Center (located in the IDP settlement – the former military town of Senaki).
The basic course will last two months, after which the women will have new employment opportunities.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Women are working in a bright, sunny room, and at times they create real “miracles”...
Instructor Maka Jishkariani generously shares her knowledge, experience, and many secrets with them.
A new course on working with polymer clay has opened at the Kutaisi Day Center.
Interest, diligence, and enjoyment can be felt from the very first lessons. In two months, at the final meeting, the students will organize an exhibition of their works and say that they will apply the knowledge they have gained in practice...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
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)
At Tskaltubo mutual assistance group meeting, the survey results were discussed. The community completed 126 questionnaires.
The data collected reflects the most pressing needs of IDPs in four settlements (Kopitnari, the former Statistical Office building, 9 April Street, and Abkhazia Street).
The group members decided to hold meetings with the public to better identify priority issues and develop civic initiatives.
In the second part of the meeting, participants discussed the rules of application submission process for civic initiatives. They will strive to formulate ideas based on community needs in order to receive funding.
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”.
Kutaisi women's mutual assistance group - "Women’s Voice" met again. This time, they discussed the survey.
Kutaisi is one of the municipalities where the Women Fund “Sukhumi” conducted a survey on the needs of IDPs, focusing on infrastructure, public spaces, and access to services.
103 respondents (69 women and 34 men) participated in the survey.
Members of the women's mutual assistance group will present the results of the IDP survey.
The main goal of the survey is to identify needs in the community and then fund initiatives to address critical issues.
The project is implemented by a coalition of non-governmental organizations: the Association of IDP Women "Consent", the Women's Information Center, and the Women's Charitable Humanitarian Fund “Sukhumi”.
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”.
During informational meetings, mobilizers of Women Support Center identified six new cases.
In all cases, the risk and probability of violence development is high. The mobilizers were actively involved in the process, using preventative measures.
Contact with a psychologist has a positive impact on the women. The women seek solutions. The mobilizers helped several beneficiaries find employment, and the risk of social conflicts in these families has been reduced.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - EvangelischerEntwicklungsdienst (Germany)
- How the problem of domestic violence is identified, how women's needs are identified and advocated, and how cases are identified and managed – these issues were discussed by mobilizers of Women Support Centers at an online meeting.
Participants focused on challenges and problems. In their opinion, the process of identifying cases of violence has become more complex, but the need to continue working in this area is clear. Therefore, informing women and implementing preventive measures will be actively continued.
Participants also discussed technical issues, such as how to reflect monthly work, results, and challenges in the reports.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
