The video From Research to Action shows how the needs identified through the research conducted by the Women’s Fund “Sukhumi” were transformed into concrete civic initiatives. In this process, the voice of the community itself was especially important - each initiative was developed based on the needs, experiences, and visions of local residents.

The video illustrates how research was turned into action, and how the community became the main driver of change. The common goal of the initiatives was to mitigate the consequences of migration through local engagement and to create a support environment tailored to people’s needs.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

A workshop was held in Senaki on the topic: “Identifying, Supporting, and Responding to Domestic Violence Against Women in Local Communities.”

The meeting was attended by 10 women of different professions and social backgrounds, including kindergarten and school teachers, socially vulnerable women, and women with experience of violence. During the workshop, participants received information about various forms of violence, with particular attention paid to violence committed through the use of online technologies.

The discussion highlighted that modern technologies have further complicated the forms of violence against women and weakened women’s sense of safety. Participants also discussed how violence can be identified, how to establish proper communication with women at risk, and why more active community involvement is important in responding to cases of violence.

Participants noted that it is often very difficult for a woman to cope with domestic violence alone, and that both wider dissemination of information and coordinated work among representatives of different professions are necessary. In their view, community support and timely response are among the key preconditions for preventing violence.

The project is implemented with the support of CISU

When a woman has knowledge, support, and opportunity, she creates change that affects the entire community.

This video tells real stories of women from Georgia who learned new professions, started their own businesses, and took steps toward economic independence with the support of the Fund “Sukhumi.”

A strong woman should not be an exception, it should be the norm.

The project is implemented with the support of Brot für die Welt – Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

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

"Women’s Voice" is a Kutaisi mutual assistance group, one of the most active, goal-oriented, and strongest in our project area.

The latest meeting of the group was a bit unusual. It was an evaluation of the work done and the results of their civic initiatives.

During the evaluation, the women recalled and focused on many things. Among them were a number of important issues:

How did they use the knowledge gained during the trainings?

What was useful in implementing the community initiative?

What changed as a result of the mutual assistance group's work?

Did they motivate others?

How they want to improve their capabilities?

Working on these issues was interesting, engaging, and productive – the group participants once again saw that women's activism can bring many positive changes in the community.

The project is implemented by a coalition of non-governmental organizations: the Association of IDP Women "Consent," the Women's Information Center, and Charity Humanitarian Women Fund “Sukhumi”.

An ordinary February meeting was held in Khoni, on Abkhazeti Street.

Members of the mutual assistance group connected their name to the community and called themselves "Community Power".

They implemented a civic initiative based on the needs of the IDP community.

The project is coming to an end, and the group members openly responded to an online questionnaire downloaded to their phones. They reminded each other of the events held and tried not to miss anything:

What topics did the training cover, and how did they improve their skills?

How did they use the knowledge they gained at the training?

What was their contribution to the community initiative?

Will they be able to independently implement initiatives in the future?

Did they increase the motivation of others?

The group members spoke proudly of their contribution: "I'm happy when I see the results of my work..."

The project showed the women members of the mutual assistance group the need for civic engagement, the importance of their own responsibility and activism, and the true power of community...

The project is implemented by a coalition of non-governmental organizations: the Association of IDP Women "Consent," the Women's Information Center, and Charity Humanitarian Women Fund “Sukhumi”.