Meetings (653)
Meetings - in this category there is an information about meetings in frames of Fund “Sukhumi” projects - meetings with beneficiaries, representatives of state structures, local and international non-governmental organizations.
A workshop was held at the Women’s Fund “Sukhumi” office in Kutaisi on the topic: “Identifying, Supporting, and Responding to Domestic Violence Against Women in Local Communities.” The meeting was attended by 10 women.
The aim of the workshop was to provide participants with information that would help them recognize different forms of violence, understand ways of support, and access relevant services. Special attention was paid to the mechanisms that help women protect themselves as well as support other women.
The meeting became a space for open discussion, sharing experiences, and listening to one another. The discussion once again showed that violence is not manifested only in physical form and often reveals itself through invisible signs as well. Participants particularly emphasized that such meetings give them knowledge, confidence, and help them see more clearly what to pay attention to when identifying violence.
The project is implemented with the support of CISU
A women’s consultation meeting was held in Senaki with the participation of a lawyer and a psychologist from Women’s Fund “Sukhumi.” Two women participants received legal and psychosocial support on issues related to domestic violence, child guardianship, and professional rights and safety.
The meeting also addressed the stigma that persists in regions toward children with special educational needs and the professionals working with them, which often increases pressure and complicates access to support.
The consultation once again highlighted the importance of legal awareness, support, and safe professional environments for women, children, and specialists.
The project is implemented with the support of CISU
In Kutaisi, a workshop was held with a women’s target group on the topic: “Identifying, supporting, and responding to domestic violence against women in local communities.” The meeting was attended by 10 women and was facilitated by a community group leader.
During the workshop, participants discussed in detail the different forms of violence, the signs that may indicate a victim, and the ways to strengthen community-based support and response mechanisms. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of not normalizing silence around violence and on the responsibility of society not to remain indifferent to violence in another family.
Participants evaluated the meeting as a valuable, necessary, and practical source of knowledge. According to them, the information received will help them better identify signs of violence, respond appropriately, and seek support when needed.
The meeting once again highlighted that informed women and empowered communities are key foundations for preventing violence.
The project is implemented with the support of CISU
A workshop was held in Zugdidi municipality with a group of women on the topic “Identification, Support, and Response to Violence Against Women in Local Communities.”
The meeting was conducted in an interactive format, allowing participants to explore in depth different forms of violence, warning signs, and response mechanisms. Particular attention was paid to technology-facilitated violence, new challenges related to women’s safety in the digital environment.
During the discussion, it was noted that leaving a violent relationship is often a difficult decision; however, women’s support and empowerment in such situations are critically important. It was also emphasized that children should not grow up in a violent environment.
Participants also discussed the challenges of identifying violence. According to them, violence eventually becomes visible, but often at a stage when help is already delayed. Therefore, prevention, awareness, and timely response are essential.
According to participants, such meetings strengthen the sense of support and hope, and contribute to women’s empowerment and the prevention of violence in local communities.
The project is implemented with the support of CISU
An online meeting was held via Zoom with the participation of 12 women from the municipalities of Tskaltubo and Kutaisi. The session was facilitated by representatives of the Women’s Fund “Sukhumi” — Lela Shengelia and Anzhela Chikhladze.
The main topic of the discussion was technology-facilitated violence and women’s safety in the digital space. Participants shared their experiences and challenges in online environments and received practical information on modern forms of violence, proper evidence collection, and available legal mechanisms.
Participants evaluated the meeting as useful and practical, especially due to the knowledge they gained on how to protect themselves and seek support.
The meeting once again highlighted the importance of informed and empowered women in creating a safe digital environment and preventing violence.
The project is implemented with the support of WAVE Network
The Women’s Fund “Sukhumi” held an online workshop via Zoom with youth groups from Chokhatauri and Vani municipalities.
The session focused on technology-facilitated violence and digital safety. Participants received practical guidance on protecting personal data, securing accounts, cyber hygiene, and recognising and responding to online abuse.
The workshop was facilitated by Women’s Fund “Sukhumi” representatives Nino Chabukiani and Lali Shengelia. The discussion highlighted the importance of digital safety knowledge and open dialogue as key factors in preventing violence among young people.
The project is implemented with the support of the WAVE Network
On February 12, 2026, an online meeting was held via the Zoom platform with women’s groups from the municipalities of Khoni and Senaki, organized by the Women’s Fund Sukhumi.
The main topic of the meeting was technology-facilitated abuse and the forms of control and pressure exercised in digital spaces within intimate relationships. Participants discussed the challenges present in online environments and the harm that often remains unnoticed.
Special attention was given to practical issues, including the protection of personal data, account security, preservation of evidence, and ways to seek assistance when needed.
During the meeting, participants emphasized the importance of recognising the problem and speaking openly about it, which is an essential prerequisite for preventing violence and creating a safe environment.
The project is implemented with the support of the WAVE Network
A three-day training on “Violence, Trauma Response and Trauma-Informed Practices” was held for the staff of the Women Fund “Sukhumi”. The training was facilitated by Karen Boesen, trainer from the partner organization Danner. The aim of the training was to further develop sensitive, safe and professional approaches to working with women affected by violence.
Participants discussed gender norms and stereotypes, the multilayered nature of violence and the social-ecological model. Special attention was paid to understanding different types of violence, mechanisms of coercive control and the invisible harm that undermines women’s safety and freedom even without physical signs.
Within the training, the four main forms of trauma response — fight, flight, freeze and fawn — were explored in detail as natural survival mechanisms. It was emphasized that support must be based on safety, trust and respect for a woman’s choices so that assistance does not become a new source of pain.
The third day focused on practical tools and the importance of self-care. Participants reflected on how to listen to women survivors without judgment, how to maintain professional sensitivity, and at the same time protect their own emotional resources from professional burnout.
At the end of the training, participants received certificates. The acquired knowledge and skills will help the Women Fund “Sukhumi” team to make support for women even more trauma-informed, compassionate and safe.
The Women Fund “Sukhumi” expresses its gratitude to the partner organization Danner and to trainer Karen Boesen for the valuable experience and support.
The project is implemented with the support of CISU
A meeting on the topic of technology-facilitated abuse in intimate relationships was held with the participation of young people living near the dividing line between the Tsalenjikha and Zugdidi municipalities. The session was facilitated by Emma Kamkia and psychologist Eka Kvachakidze.
Together with the young participants, we discussed how violence manifests in digital spaces and how technology can become a tool of control and pressure. The conversation focused on the warning signs of digital abuse, its psycho-emotional and social consequences, as well as existing legal protection and support mechanisms.
In the practical part, participants received information on protecting personal accounts, properly preserving digital evidence, and ways to seek help when needed.
Participants noted:
“I used to think online control was just jealousy. Now I understand that it is a form of abuse.”
“The most important thing was learning that receiving help is actually possible.”
Recognise. Speak. Act.
Read the guide: “Technology-Facilitated Abuse in Intimate Relationships — Recognise It and Protect Yourself.”
The project is implemented with the support of the WAVE Network
An online meeting was held via Zoom for women living near the dividing line between the Tsalenjikha and Zugdidi municipalities. The meeting was organized by the Women’s Fund Sukhumi and focused on one of the most complex and often invisible issues — technology-facilitated abuse in intimate relationships.
Participants discussed how violence continues in digital spaces and how technology can become a tool of control and pressure. Women shared their everyday experiences — challenges that are rarely visible online yet cause real psychological and social harm.
Special attention was given to practical issues: protecting personal accounts, preserving digital evidence, and learning about services where women can seek support.
The most powerful part of the meeting was the participants’ sincere reflections.
One participant noted:
“Unfortunately, in regions and villages, this issue is often viewed differently. Sharing social media passwords and banking information with husbands is considered normal by many. It is very important that you have started this conversation.”
Another participant spoke about why violence often remains unspoken:
“There are many cases of online abuse around us, but women often cannot speak out — there is little trust in society, and girls frequently do not feel supported by their parents. There have been cases when a girl shared her experience with her family and was blamed instead. In such moments, she withdraws and faces emotional struggles alone.”
The discussion also showed that the problem affects more than just women:
“Online violence is not only about women — young men are also often victims of abuse in digital spaces.”
The meeting once again confirmed that recognising the problem is the first step toward change.
Recognise. Speak. Act.
Read the guide - “Technology-facilitated abuse in intimate relationships — recognise it and protect yourself.”
The project is implemented with the support of the WAVE Network
