A regular radio broadcast from the cycle "Women and Politics” was aired on March 23 on radio "Dzveli kalaki".
In the broadcast was covered activity on lobbying of the legislative initiative (issuance of 600 GEL to all women giving birth) of fund "Sukhumi". Active public debate proves the positive attitude of citizens towards the initiative. "This is probably very minimal, but to be realistic, at this stage we can not demand more from the state." "This will be an incentive for many poor families to have another child."
During the broadcast, attention was paid to familiarization with the methodology of advocacy and lobbying implemented by fund "Sukhumi" in Clubs of Women-Voters.
Outcomes of work with political parties for the purpose of lobbying this initiative show that they welcome the initiative of the fund and are willing to support them at different levels. The broadcast also touched upon the issue of cooperation between Clubs of Women-Voters and local governments. What are women’s initiatives and how are they supported at the local level? The need for cooperation and good for society become obvious on examples of Poti, Khobi, and Ozurgeti.
There was also provided information about the grant program adopted by the local government of Ozurgeti with the initiative of women-members of the local government.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization EED Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst.
At monthly meetings of the Club of Women-Voters (Kutaisi, Tskhaltubo, Khoni, Khobi, Zugdidi, Poti, Ozurgeti, Batumi) is felt a special responsibility to the citizens, since members of the Club can advocate and lobby for their problems.
Women - representatives of local government are also members of the Club, and this makes cooperation with local authorities much easier.
In this issue we’ll tell you about this collaboration.
Has risen in price tolls, increased taxes, unethical and rude attitude of drivers to passengers, bad internal roads, incorrect distribution of social assistance to citizens (often a common program for socially disadvantaged people does not envisage extremely poor families), ecological problems, unemployed people and domestic violence - these problems were discussed at the Club of Women Voters. In order to solve these problems, the Club members have elaborated specific recommendations - to reexamine all the socially disadvantaged families, to allocate money from the budget of local government and cut taxes, timely repair internal roads, provide special transportation for school students.
There was formed a group of five people who will advocate these issues. At a future meeting of the Club members are going to invite heads of village administrations from nearby villages, members of local government of Kobuleti and Batumi, as well as journalists. Members of the Club are going to involve them in advocacy of existing problems.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization NED – National Endowment for Democracy, USA.
