Four meetings were held with women activists from the Women Support Centers of Senaki, Tskaltubo, Tsalenjikha and Zugdidi (village Khurcha).
The meeting participants got acquainted with our new research "Gender aspects of women's migration". After the presentation, there was held a discussion on - how the socio-economic and legal status and intersectional vulnerability factors influence migration decisions.
Fragments from the participants' speeches:
"Migration is a serious problem of our time - due to economic factors or vulnerability. Many people have emigrated, and this problem affects women the most".
"Women are forced to emigrate because there is no way out, and ultimately our reality is the following: family alienation and generations, growing up without mothers."
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Fund “Sukhumi” Participated in a Masterclass on Digital Inclusion in Tallinn
27.05.25
Linda Chikhladze, representing the Fund “Sukhumi,” was one of ten participants from Georgia who took part in a two-day masterclass held in Tallinn, Estonia, aimed at promoting digital awareness and inclusion in Georgia’s regions, especially rural communities. The event introduced participants to service design methodology and focused on identifying the key barriers vulnerable groups face in accessing digital services. For Linda, the experience was a significant step in her professional and personal development, reinforcing the importance of the Fund’s approach, that technology must be designed based on real human needs. Alongside the masterclass, the Georgian delegation also had the opportunity to attend the high-level e-Governance Conference – #eGov2025.
An interesting discussion was held with a group of women from Khoni IDP settlement. The topic of conversation was the psychosocial, economic, legal and structural aspects of migration. The participants shared their views on what impacts the scale of migration, what are its social consequences and side effects, and what can be done to prevent migration.
"When, according to statistics, 43% of immigrants in recent years are children under 15, of course, there are real reasons for concern."
"10-15 years ago there was a big wave of migration in Khoni. There are no women left who could leave. Now it is more of a migration of young people."
"They leave, and factually no one comes back."
"To prevent migration, we must familiarize society with its social consequences. Let's think together what people, especially women, need to avoid this step."
Many specific ideas were expressed regarding areas where real employment opportunities for women should appear and conditions for their support should be created.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Some meetings of women's mutual assistance groups were held in municipalities, and some of them were held online.
In Tsalenjikha, the story of one of the women who suffered violence was voiced. It is planned to discuss a new case and provide assistance. New participants were added to the group in Terjola. During a meeting in Tskaltubo, women discussed their needs. Their desire is to organize cutting, sewing and polymer clay courses. This will contribute to their economic empowerment.
The involvement of a psychologist gives the meetings a special effect, since each participant needs competent advice.
The group members are confident that together, with mutual assistance, they will solve many problems.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
At the Gelati Residence, over thirty students from Akaki Tsereteli State University and high school students came together to discuss:
- How can we talk about difficult topics without losing the ability to listen and understand?
- How can we prevent conflict and avoid unnecessary tension?
This workshop wasn’t just about theory - far from it!
Participants shared real-life stories and personal experiences, engaging in open, and at times, intense and emotional conversations.
One student shared their reflection:
“In today’s reality, where widespread gender stereotypes and misinformation hinder the advancement of equality in society, it’s crucial to develop effective ways of dealing with them. For many people, these stereotypes are a part of daily life, and without proper communication, they’re nearly impossible to change. Navigating tough conversations in a constructive way is essential. I believe workshops like this really help strengthen these skills and empower us to challenge gender stereotypes more effectively.”
On April 3, via Zoom, 67 students from 10 municipalities in western Georgia (Chokhatauri, Kobuleti, Tskaltubo, Kutaisi, Khoni, Terjola, Samtredia, Senaki, Zugdidi, Tsalenjikha) participated in the workshop “How to Navigate Difficult Dialogues.” The session aimed to build skills for engaging in constructive conversations and avoiding conflict when speaking with people who hold different perspectives.
The main topics of the workshop included:
• Distinguishing between stereotypes, disinformation, and accurate information
• Five practical strategies for navigating difficult dialogues
• An interactive game: “How to Survive the Family Dinner” - https://survivefamilydinner.ge/how-to-play/
Even in an online format, the workshop was lively and interactive — students actively shared their personal experiences, asked questions, and reflected throughout the session.
“This was a powerful experience. I realized I can become the best version of myself and express my thoughts clearly. Now I feel confident to stand up for myself and for others who are being bullied. Thank you for creating such an interesting, impactful, and meaningful project!” — Student from Samtredia Municipality
The Women Fund “Sukhumi”, with the support of the Canada Equality Fund and the German organization Bread for the World, organized a conference on the topic: "Prevention of violence against women and response with a community-based approach - practice and impact mechanisms".
The conference was opened by Ekaterine Gamakharia, head of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” Tbilisi office. The chairperson of the Women Fund “Sukhumi”, Alla Gamakharia, greeted the participants with a welcoming speech. Tea Torinava, executive director of the organization, spoke about the Digital Resource Center - the experience of providing services and empowering women who have experienced violence.
The conference was attended by mobilizers of Women Support Centres from 10 municipalities, members of women's mutual assistance groups, para-specialists of social work and representatives of civil society organisations working on women's rights.
Two panel discussions were held. It was noted that 14 civil initiatives were financed in 10 municipalities, which contributed to the creation of a non-violent environment for women and children.
At the end of the conference, the founders of the organization - Alla Gamakharia, Mery Gelashvili and Nanuli Ramishvili recalled the 28-year history of the organization and charged the participants with motivation.
The Women Fund "Sukhumi" continues to work in direction of violence prevention and women empowerment.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Several new members have joined the women mutual assistance group in Tskaltubo. Terjola group has also been replenished with new members. In Senaki, new serious cases were discussed, and questionnaires are currently being processed.
In all other municipalities, the March meetings were actively held. During the ordinary group meetings, the participants were interested in government services. They already have information about programs and services to support vulnerable groups. One of the important priorities for women is economic empowerment. They try to solve problems through informing and mutual assistance. The group meetings give hope to each participant, as they become more active, stronger and better able to cope with challenges.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
Violence around us, our reactions to the rapist and the victim, mechanisms for protection and violence prevention - these and other issues are discussed by young actors and director Magda Chikhladze with the audience after the Forum Theatre performances.
The discussion reflects the attitude of society. And especially what else should be done to solve problems related to violence.
The Forum Theatre staged performances in Kutaisi and "forced" the audience to think about current issues.
In order for more people to see the performances staged by the Forum Theatre, it was decided to make a film. Work on the future film is currently underway.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
