Teenagers from ten municipalities of Western Georgia are actively participating in an online course on conflict management and violence prevention. Among their peers, they openly talk about challenges, stereotypes and the desire for change.
"I understand that the more I learn, the more I want to tell others. I want to protect myself and help others," said one of the participants.
Young people want to become ambassadors of peace in their regions and authors of positive changes.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
A psychologist of the Fund “Sukhumi” held meetings in five municipalities, in Women Support Centers of (Khurcha/Zugdidi, Tskaltubo, Senaki, Vani, Terjola). The main topic of the meetings was "Violence against women and the importance of relationships."
These meetings imply support and care, which is especially important for those who have ever faced violence. Violence is not only physical (blows, beatings), it is often silence, fear, offensive words and loss of self-esteem. Often violence occurs quietly, within the walls of the family, from where no sounds are heard. According to the psychologist, this is why meetings and personal communication with such women are necessary to tell them: "You are not alone"! One meeting can give strength, woman can start to speak, ask for help, and we can support and save her.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The rate of identification of cases of violence in Women Support Centers has increased. This was facilitated by the work of Para-specialists. 12 cases were identified during a month. As a result of social work, more than 150 beneficiaries received information about victim support services. Women receive consultations on both legal and psychological issues. The Centers' mobilizers are constantly with them.
Out of 12 cases, the condition of ten beneficiaries improved due to the involvement of a psychologist, and two continue to work with a lawyer on legal issues.
Two women together with their children underwent psycho-rehabilitation at the Rehabilitation Center of our organization: their stable condition is the result of comprehensive work of all the employees of the Center.
The women's reviews:
"When you know exactly whom to address and do not waste time on it, this is important assistance."
"I am a single mother, my social assistance was stopped, I did not know whom to address. Representatives of the Fund “Sukhumi” helped me.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
During information meetings initiated in the municipalities of Terjola, Vani and Chokhatauri, women were introduced to the results of the research "Gender aspects of women's migration" conducted by our organization. It is planned to implement initiatives aimed at preventing migration and reducing its negative consequences, which will be based on the needs of specific communities.
The meetings noted that the migration issue requires multi direction work, although women's groups can also make a small contribution.
The main challenges were identified as: economic empowerment of women and support for women who have started small businesses but do not know how to expand the market.
It was noted that training in these skills will become a tool for preventing migration and will help other women who are afraid to engage in such activities and see migration as the only solution for a better future for their children.
Attention was paid to the consequences of migration - children who grow up without mothers. Particular emphasis was placed on childhood traumas that are not compensated by financial well-being. The women set themselves the goal of working in this area with both children and women migrants in order to promote better relationships between children and mothers.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Our new research "Gender aspects of women's migration" became the main topic of the meetings held in Senaki, Tskaltubo, Tsalenjikha and Zugdidi (village Khurcha).
The meetings were attended by activists of the Women Support Centers. After the presentation, women's groups actively discussed the ideas for civil initiatives. According to women, it is important to disseminate information about migration, work in direction of supporting children of migrant mothers and the economic empowerment of women. It is also necessary to inform women about protection mechanisms when traveling abroad, and contacts to adress if necessary.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The doors of our organization's Rehabilitation Center are always open to those who need support.
A 25-year-old woman, a mother of three children, intimidated and humiliated, addressed the center after a difficult experience. On the very first day, she noted the sensitivity of the professional team.
The joint efforts of a psychologist, lawyer, social worker and assistant working with children gave the following result: "The reality exceeded all expectations. I could not even imagine that such a support service existed somewhere... Here I really felt warmth, attention and care"...
For the first time, she believed that she could start new life. Respect, care and sincere support became the first steps on the path of self development.
This is just one story. Every woman who comes to the center writes her own story...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The topics of conflict management and violence prevention are especially relevant for young people, as these issues are related to their everyday lives. During the meetings, they discuss various forms of violence, ways of peaceful resolution of conflicts, and the need for mutual support.
Participants note that open communication and exchange of experiences in a free space are very important for them. They are more aware of the dangers of violence, discuss protection mechanisms, and are ready to share information with others.
Young people hope that their participation will contribute to further awareness raising among their peers, which will contribute to the creation of a peaceful and safe environment.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Performing in the open air, even in hot July, is a good experience for our youth.
Forum Theatre held two performances in Kutaisi: in the renovated Central Park and in Veriko Anjaparidze Park.
Unfortunately, the audience refrains from taking photos...
The main thing is that they join the discussion, share the slogans of the Forum Theatre: violence is unacceptable, violence and bullying cannot be tolerated, people who have suffered from violence must be protected...
The reaction of foreign guests of the city was especially impressive when the actors introduced them to the essence and goals of the Forum Theatre in English.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Needs, desires and moods of Women are best revealed during meetings with them. Meetings are held monthly at Women Support Centers. The topics discussed are mainly related to problems of domestic violence.
During the meetings with women's groups in Tskaltubo, Khoni, Terjola and Vani, the participants discussed various problems:
- A significant part of women emigrated. Unfortunately, there are many single-parent families. Children have psychological problems.
- Women are unemployed and social assistance is insufficient. In such families, conflicts often arise due to social problems.
After discussing common problems, work on individual issues begins. Thanks to the intervention of mobilizers, three beneficiaries in Terjola, Vani and Tskaltubo solved their problems. Solving these problems required the involvement of a social worker, a lawyer and a psychologist.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
How do Women Support Centers evaluate the activities of the Fund “Sukhumi”? What results do they provide and how important are monthly information meetings? What kind of support do women need?
Internal monitoring was conducted to answer these questions.
Meeting participants openly express their mood and share new ideas:
- These meetings are a source of new information for us. Violence against women has not ended, and we must strengthen our positions in the fight against this problem.
- Women rarely have the opportunity to get together and express their thoughts, tired of the daily routine, we find a different mood, and we really need it.
- I am glad that you think about women, about our empowerment. Our self-esteem is growing. New ideas appear. It would be good if we were given the opportunity to implement our ideas.
The meetings were held in the Women Support Centers of Zugdidi/Khurcha, Senaki, Khoni and Khobi.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)