A dialogue with specialists working in the field of civic education took place in an interesting format. The topic of the online meeting was "Psychosocial, Economic, Legal, and Structural Aspects of Migration and Measures of its Prevention".
We presented the results of the Fund “Sukhumi” research and the digital resource www.sosfsokhumi.ge to the participants. We discussed the main factors of women migration, the psychosocial consequences of uncontrolled migration, and the importance of reducing it.
An interesting discussion was held on migration prevention mechanisms and migration trends. Participants shared their observations regarding the fact that while in previous years migration had primarily affected urban populations, now villages are also becoming empty, as introducing innovations into agriculture is extremely difficult, soils are depleted, and incomes have significantly decreased. Successful local entrepreneurs are less popular. It was noted that it is difficult to reduce uncontrolled migration without a corresponding positive socioeconomic environment, but at the same time, it is essential for society to recognize the negative psycho-emotional consequences of migration for families: alienation, deprivation of parental warmth for children, excessive burden for the elderly, not to mention the "brain drain" and changing demographics. Therefore, they believe public dialogue on migration issues is essential.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Mutual assistance group meetings were held in municipalities of Western Georgia according to planned. Assistant Nino Chabukiani held five meetings in Terjola, Vani, Kutaisi, Tskaltubo and Kobuleti. The remaining five meetings were organized and facilitated by the leaders, who successfully completed their tasks.
During the meetings in Zugdidi, Chokhatauri, Senaki, Tsalenjikha, and Khobi, group participants discussed issues related to the civic initiative competition. Emphasis was placed on feedback, so that they would be better prepared for the next stage.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
Poti women's mutual assistance group is entering a new phase: identifying priority issues in the IDP community and conducting a survey to understand women's needs.
During the meeting, group representatives discussed the survey methodology, techniques, timeframe, stages, selection of target groups, and the number of participants.
The knowledge and skills acquired through the project will help group participants to effectively organize the survey process. Once needs are identified, support for civil society initiatives is planned, which will improve the social situation of the IDP community.
Actors of the Forum Theatre showed two performances in Kutaisi – at the Youth Center and in the park.
Active discussions on the issues raised were held at both locations, but the audience was particularly engaged in the performences during the meeting with the youth. The audience highly praised the actors' performances and the director's professionalism.
The photographs also speak for themselves – they are something that will remain in the audience's memories for a long time...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Social work is becoming increasingly important at Women Support Centers. Para - specialists meet women with various needs. During these meetings, women share their most pressing concerns. Among the identified issues, women migration is a priority, as labor migration rates are increasing monthly.
Papa – specialists provide women with information about economic development programs, training courses for women, and refer them to existing services that meet their needs. Strengthening social work in local communities helps raise women's awareness, which is important for violence prevention.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
In parallel with providing information, Women Support Centers are actively working to empower women.
With the help of mobilizers and para-specialists, five cases were addressed at Women Support Centers in Tskaltubo, Vani, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, and Chokhatauri. Various tools were used to provide support: psychological support, consultations, and referrals to specialists. Three women used psychological services and their condition improved. Thanks to the para-specialists' consultations, three women received social support.
The work of the centers to provide women's information and psychosocial support continues.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
A psychologist held meetings at the Women Support Centers in Vani, Tskaltubo, and Kutaisi. The topic was "How to Cope with Anger When Communicating with Children."
The topic turned out to be relevant and interesting. According to mothers, they have difficulties when coping with anger when interacting with their children. Everyone agreed that anger is generally a healthy, human emotion. Regarding anger management with children, it's a complex process. Children quickly absorb their parents' emotions, and if we manage anger correctly, we also teach them self-control. Women actively participated in the work.
The psychologist gave the women several practical tips: conserve your resources; it's difficult for a constantly tired person to control anger; find time for yourself...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Kutaisi mutual assistance group "Voice of Women" starts the research to identify the problems and needs of IDP communities and develop civic initiatives based on these findings (this is the only group that has given itself the name "Voice of Women").
At its latest meeting, group members discussed the details of the survey process, its forms, and methods. They already know the survey dates and target groups. All of this determines the survey's success. In the next stage, initiatives will be developed and supported that address the identified needs for the well-being of the IDP community.
The project is implemented by a coalition of nongovernmental organizations: the Association of IDP Women "Consent" the Women's Information Center, and the Women’s Charitable Humanitarian Fund “Sukhumi”
The Association of IDP Women “Consent” organized training on "Leadership for IDP and Rural Women" in Gori.
Members of mutual assistance groups from Gori, Kareli, and Kaspi municipalities participated in the training. The goal of the training was to provide them with knowledge and skills that will contribute to strengthening social work in IDP and conflict-affected communities.
According to participants, the training was active, interesting, understandable, and impressive. The first part included a discussion of the essence of women leadership and its characteristic components. The second part continued with simulation exercises and viewing of thematic videos. Particular attention was paid to the importance of presentation skills, self-presentation, and public speaking.
According to the participants, strengthening female leadership is crucial for identifying and 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 Women's Charitable Humanitarian Fund “Sukhumi”.
September meeting was held by Khoni women's mutual assistance group. Participants were informed about a survey that will be conducted to identify priority community issues. Based on the survey results, a civic initiative will be developed and supported within the project.
Participants familiarized themselves with the survey form, methodology, and deadlines, and discussed the target audience.
The plan is to survey 100 respondents. Mutual asistance group participants will work on filling out the questionnaires.
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”.
