Kutaisi mutual assistance group identified a problem for the initiative as a result of a survey, which was subsequently confirmed at a community meeting.
The courtyard of the IDP settlement on Nikea Street has two entrances, and there are no gates on either side. Unknown cars were entering, and there was no safe space for children. Therefore, the community decided to install a barrier. The second need identified was cosmetic repairs of the entrance and ramps.
Implementation of the initiatives has already begun. The Women Fund “Sukhumi” is providing support, and settlement residents are volunteering by physical work.
Work has also begun in Choma settlement to develop civic initiatives for the solution of two problems.
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”.
The problem of apartment numeration in the IDP settlement of Poti was resolved – thanks to the active work of a mutual assistance group, 37 apartments were given numbers for the first time. Finding an apartment on Gagra and Abkhazia streets will now be easier.
A community survey revealed that the absence of numeration created a barrier – it was difficult to find the house when calling emergency services, that caused a health and safety risk.
In order to address this issue, 37 number boards were made, and the settlement was provided with all the necessary materials (fasteners, silicone, screwdrivers). Residents also actively participated in the installation process.
The IDP settlement had never received such support, and this initiative evoked particular gratitude and motivation in the community.
As part of civic initiative support, Poti mutual assistance group plans to gradually address other 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 Found “Sukhumi”.
After identifying needs, members of Tskaltubo mutual assistance started to solve group specific problems through civil initiatives.
The group submitted six projects for the competition, 3 out of them received funding:
Fencing the courtyard of the building of former statistics department to improve and ensure the safety of IDPs' living conditions
Installing nets in the basements of buildings on Abkhazeti Street (to prevent debris and flooding) and purchasing cleaning equipment (wheelbarrow, shovels, gloves, and bags)
The installation of street benches on April 9 Street and the installation of trash bins in apartment entrances will improve the living conditions of IDPs in three compact settlements of Tskaltubo.
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 Found “Sukhumi”.
Surveying, discussing identified community issues, developing initiatives, and shaping them into a project—these are the mutual assistance group's most recent activities that have contributed to the social activism process in Senaki IDP community.
During the group's last meeting, participants discussed the implementation of the initiatives and identified responsible persons.
The issues identified during the survey will be finalized in a project. It will detail the results of the initiatives and their impact on addressing community needs.
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 Found “Sukhumi”.
Another meeting with members of Khoni mutual assistance group was held on Abkhazeti Street. During the meeting, initiatives that should be documented as projects and then supported by the competition committee were discussed. Description of the problem and activities was developed, also with budget planning and issues of sustainability and long-term results were discussed.
At the end of the meeting, the participants prepared a draft of a specific initiative and visited the squares that should be renovated as part of the project.
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 Found “Sukhumi”.
During a meeting of the women's mutual assistance group in Tskaltubo, participants actively discussed initiatives they could implement within the framework of this project.
Group members received information on how to write initiatives (problem description, correct formulation of the goal, and definition of results). For each problem, they identified specific needs necessary for proper budgeting. They also supplemented the civic initiatives with specific examples and observed how similar initiatives or small projects are written.
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".
Open dialogue and close cooperation with the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) represent an important precondition for strengthening human security and stability in Georgia’s conflict-affected regions.
A meeting was held at the Tbilisi office of Women Fund “Sukhumi” with representatives of the EUMM Field Office Mtskheta, Ms. Nina Stubb and Ms. Nadezhda Drumeva. The guests were interested in the key findings of our new monitoring report “Why Do Women Leave? The Gender Dimension of Women’s Migration Drivers Through the Lens of Rights, Social Factors, and Intersectional Vulnerability”, available at:
The discussion focused on the main directions of Women Fund “Sukhumi’s” work, including strengthening the human security of IDPs and conflict-affected women, promoting peacebuilding, and preventing and responding to domestic violence.
The European Union Monitoring Mission plays an essential role in fostering stability, dialogue, and confidence-building, particularly in ensuring the security and addressing the needs of populations living along the Administrative Boundary Line. Continued cooperation with civil society organizations working with IDPs and conflict-affected communities remains crucial for ensuring that women’s perspectives and needs are effectively reflected in peace and security policies.
Members of Senaki mutual assistance group actively participated in a survey conducted in the IDP settlement, which included 129 people.
One of the main topics at the meeting with group members was the discussion of the survey results. The research identified actual issues in the IDP community. Support for civil initiatives to address these issues is planned. Participants received information on how to formulate a problem, define goals and objectives, and present it as a civil initiative.
The project is being 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”.
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.”
