Paraprofessionals in the field of social work are individuals who do not have an academic degree or professional license in social work, but nevertheless play a major role in working with vulnerable groups. Their function is especially important when social services are not available or are very limited.
This is an excerpt from a new publication.
“A Social Work Guide for Community Leaders: Supporting Women Under the Risk of Violence and Surviving Domestic Violence” is a practical and in-depth resource for community and social leaders who work with women at the local level
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
Our forum-theater held a performance at a meeting of the women's mutual assistance group in Tskaltubo Innovation Center.
The issues raised were of great interest to the participants. During the discussion, they noted the need to respond to problems and change the attitude of society.
The forum-theater held the second meeting in Tskaltubo public school. Performing in front of peers is always interesting and responsible. The students liked the performances, actively entered into different roles, openly talked about the problems of the younger generation and ways to solve them.
The forum-theater's performances make the audience think and help them find the right solution.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Here we were met by a warm atmosphere, caring people... We felt love, attention, support... – mentioned the women before leaving, expressing gratitude, which is the best quality of people.
Another group of mothers and children was escorted from the Rehabilitation Center of the Women Fund "Sukhumi". These families are registered in the database of socially vulnerable groups of the population and are also eco-migrants. The days spent in the Rehabilitation Center were beneficial to them: therapeutic sessions, receiving useful information, relaxation and rehabilitation... They participated in all the activities with great interest. These are their impressions and sketches...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
What problems do women have in different communities, how do they solve these problems, how are cases of domestic violence identified and what challenges do they face - these are the main topics discussed at the mobilization meetings held in the Women Support Centers.
According to the participants, monthly meetings are a source of information for them - they learn new information, talk about their problems, try to help identify cases of violence and help women to solve community problems. They talked about the importance of economic support programs. They believe that women do not have the necessary skills to turn an idea into a project and have their own income.
Para-specialists actively work with mobilizers to identify cases of domestic violence and victim support services.
Over the course of a month, more than 150 women received information about victim support services at Women Support Centers. Ten women were redirected to a psychologist for consultation. Three women improved their condition with the help of a lawyer.
Thanks to the strengthening of social work, women are supported more e
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The role of medical personnel in preventing violence against women/domestic violence and protecting victims - training on this topic was held in Tskaltubo. The training was attended by medical personnel of the municipality: doctors of polyclinics, schools and family doctors.
The training discussed topical issues: the scale of violence against women, the anatomy of violence, the legal environment: the law and mechanisms for its implementation, referral entities, the role and responsibility of medical personnel.
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
Is a risky conversation unfolding around the dinner table? Handle suspicious opinions and conspiracy theories with ease — and try to make it to dessert without anyone flipping the table.
Play now – survive the family dinner: გადაურჩი ოჯახურ ვახშამს
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)
