The memorandum was signed between Zugdidi Municipality and Cultural-Humanitarian Fund “Sukhumi”, the aim of which is to raise effectiveness of collaboration for promotion of establishing democratic principles’ development in the society and gender justice.
Importance of collaboration between NGO sector and local government was underlined for prevention of violence. Signing the memorandum is beginning of new phase of collaboration.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt – Evangelischer Entwicklunsdienst (Germany)
Wecanallagree,that the time for blaming each other, for self-justification, andsearching for guilty has long gone. Today is a moment, when everyone must feel shame and remorse over the violence taking place around us, which is not only remained unpunished butgained enormous scales. Each following crime made permanent wound on the whole body of society, put in doubt existingsystem of values and endangered the future of our children. The most outrageous is that it took the lives of two dozensof innocent women.
More than ten years, we strive for drawing attention to the problem from different platforms. More than 10 years, we try to win everyone who observes, listens and rejects violence, over our way of thinking, whether it ismanorwoman, decision-maker or ordinary citizen, family member, friend,or neighbor. For more than ten years, we are ringing thealarming bells.
The slogans, such as “No to violence!”, “Violence is a cruelty!”, “Let’s unite against genderviolence!”, “Peace in and peace out!” - have been worn out.…
The TVs were full of the shows andsocial ads…
Massive campaignsand street demonstrations have become traditional…
The number of people, Media,civil societyorganizations, involved in the public campaigns, have been annually increased.
Numerous round tables, public discussions, capacity-building, awareness-raising activities, and forum-theatre performances have been carriedout…
Lots of letters and statements, recommendations and legislative initiativeshave beenmade.
We have urged society - “don’t close your eyes, don’t plug your ears - together we will resist the violence!”…but nevertheless we were unable towithstandthe violence!
We welcomethe initiative of the Minister of Education, but we bitterly remember the years, when we had to struggle for entering the schools, making discussions on interpersonal relations, unacceptability of violence, andtolerance…
We welcomethe statement of the President of Georgiaon announcing the year of 2015as the “Year of Women”, but thelives of dozens of women are incredibly expensive price. Since 2006, when anti-domestic violence law entered into a force, the state was unableto find sufficient funds to prevent violence and assist victims effectively.
We welcomethe initiative of President of Georgia to meet the leaders of different denominations and their commitment to take a united stand against gender violence. Our experience proved that involvement of leaders of denominations in the prevention of violence is rather important, as there is no religion which gives a “green light” to violence, encourages the strong to oppress the weak, and rejects the family values.
Today we all criticize the police for lack of competence, examples of “male solidarity”, however we have to admit that in the circumstances where there are lack of shelters,crisis centers, and inefficient referral mechanisms, when the coordination and cooperation between relevant governmental agencies is practically not existent, it is rather difficult to adequately respond and tackle the problem. It became obvious that the law against violence is nothing without effective mechanisms for its implementation.Existing reality broke the legend, that only those, who have no information regarding their rights, who do not seek help are becoming victims of violence. The State turned out powerless to effectively fight against violence and protect its citizens.
The Violence against Women is an issue which requires more attention and response from the state, society, all institutions, everyone and each of us. We have to be responsive toward the facts happening around us, and do not perceive it as a norm of our life!
Don’t close your eyes!
Don’t plug your ears!
Someone next to us asks for help!
Women Non-Governmental Organization “Cultural-Humanitarian Fund “Sukhumi”
In spite of the fact that August id the month of rest and vacation, the members of the youth net of the fund “Sukhumi” mixed pleasant rest with useful activities. Summer is the best way to gain new friends and followers. Summer was used for the work of youth net by the leaders.
There were numerous initiatives. The youth expressed a will, to become active members of the net. The contacts go on in online regime, which is shown on the youth facebook page of the fund “Sukhumi”.
Records:
-There are number of youth nets in Georgia, which serve to different spheres. I have learned about the fund “Sukhumi” this year and I am pleasantly surprised by its work. The fund activated the youth, gives them motivation and teaches the meaning of volunteership. The main thing is that each member of the net has opportunity of realization. – Rezi
-I am from Kutaisi, I am sorry that I have not heard about the fund till now and I promise to be your active member. – Tamuna
-I am the active member of eco-club, it will be very nice to be involved in different projects. – Naniko
-I have participated in the activities of the fund before and I have heard much about this organization. – Tiko
-I have a great desire to become a member of leaders’ school, but unfortunately, it is not envisaged for the boys. - Giorgi
The project is implemented with the support of Kvinna till Kvinna,
There are number of publications on the page of youth facebook on: "Wandering book." In Kutaisi, in connection with a week of Shakespeare, we symbolically let the play "King Lear" to wander.
One user of Facebook, said:
- I am 27 years old, but I had not met this book before, I found it near the theater, read it in a day and left there. I would be glad if other readers share their impressions. Thank you for this!
Statistics for the last month:
189 Users put “like” on the page
22 new publications
436 viewing..
Youth page is becoming more active.
The project is implemented with the support of Kvinna till Kvinna,
While starting network debate on youth issues, immediately appeared recommendations from the older generation, they are comparing the period of their youth with our reality. Nominated are: computer (Internet), and a poor relationship between parents and children who unfortunately became "strangers" to each other.
- The fact that today you are more independent generation, does not give you the right to afford everything. It is important not to forget the national traditions and respect them.
- We are a new generation, who is familiar to each other, filter and take a civilization that is still in the process of transformation. We hope that only the best will be left in our reality.
Discussing the topic of the relationship of different generations, these two comments deserved great number of likes.
The project is implemented with the support of Kvinna till Kvinna,
Council advocacy non-rehabilitated 10 centers in Kutaisi delivered recommendations - brochure "Informed IDPs advocate their problems" to Regional Office for IDPs, Representation of Abkhazian Autonomous Republic in Imereti, and the territorial bodies of Kutaisi (Dzelkviani, Nikea, Vakisubani, auto factory, Sulkhan Saba ). Brochure was developed as a joint project of the Union of teachers “education and the Universe" and the " Fund "Sukhumi".
Nowadays Facebook is one of the most popular nets for personal relationship and for advertising of own products or activities, also for attracting mates.
The youth net of the Fund “Sukhumi” created personal “Facebook like” page, which very soon became popular, especially among the youth. The page daily increases the number of users.
Every day we make the analysis of the mentioned page, announce to the users interests, which give us opportunity to have permanent contact with the people, who are interested in our activities. March was devoted to the work on women’s rights, their role in our country. In all six youth centers of the Fund “Sukhumi” different activities were held and the information was placed on Facebook page. These publications were led by discussions and comments.
By the opinion of majority of the boys, women’s rights are not abolished, as all of them have opportunity to know their right and protect it. The girls have opposite argument and they answer using examples and their own experience.
Next actual topic was: “Youth projects in regions, which are not financed.” The young people mentioned that local government can finance various youth projects, but they do not envisage their demands and needs.
These and not only these topics are actual for the youth and Facebook page of the Fund “Sukhumi” is one of the most favorite “places” for expressing opinions.
The project is implemented with the support of Kvinna till Kvinna,
Partner organizations joined the 16-days campaign and submitted the plan
of activities to be carried out within the framework of the campaign. We
believe that the number of our supporters will increase as all of us are deeply
aware of the concept of civic responsibility in respect of this issue.
The 16 Days of
Activism Against Gender Violence is an international campaign originating from
1991. More than 150 countries and 2000 organisations are involved in the
campaign. Georgia joined it in 2001. The
main slogan of the campaign is "End violence against women!” Each year the
Center for Women's Global Leadership develops a theme for the international
campaign in consultation with women's organizations around the world. This year
the theme is "Structures of Violence: Defining the Intersections of
Militarism and Violence Against Women."
Each year Fund
"Sukhumi” participates in the 16 day campaign.
From November 25 till
December 10 Fund "Sukhumi” will carry out different measures in Western
Georgia.
Fund "Sukhumi” joins the International 16 Days of Activism Against Gender
Based Violence Campaign
From November 25 to December 10, by tradition, Fund "Sukhumi" joins
the annual international informational campaign against violence against women.
The International Campaign has
been marked for 22 years and its main slogan is "Let's end violence
against women."
For the third year, people of good will around the world are united by
the same slogan, "From peace in the
home to peace in the world" with a deep awareness that peace in the
world is linked with peace in the family.
Members, volunteers, partners and beneficiaries of Fund "Sukhumi” plan
to organize informational actions in the cities, districts and villages of
Western Georgia (Kutaisi, Tskhaltubo, Khoni, Poti, Ozurgeti, Batumi, Senaki,
Zugdidi, Khurcha, Koki) where will be spread specially elaborated leaflets,
posters, and calendars.
Within the framework of the campaign there will be
held meetings with local and central governmental agencies, and different
community groups, organized round table meetings, debates, film screenings and
discussions, TV and radio programmes, forum-theatre performances, women’s
handicraft exhibition.
During the campaign period different media will transmit
social clips. Therewillbehangedoverpostersandbanners. Private companies, social institutions, cultural, healthcare and
educational institutions will join the campaign in different way.
…Against the background of our silence, almost every day, we witness the
new family drama.
... Each new tragedy reminds us of our civic responsibility to those
women, children and old people who had a right to live without violence.
…Due to the fact that they were not protected from violence, unfortunately
we have to speak about many of them in the past tense...
Raising awareness to increase the efforts of each of us and the efforts
of the state to be protected from violence - once again we want to unite our
society around this idea, as the way to
a peaceful world - passes through peaceful families.
Representatives
of Fund "Sukhumi” participated in the parliamentary sitting where were
discussed changes to the law on Suppression of Domestic Violence, Protection
and Aid of Victims of Domestic Violence.
The
principle position of our organization to participate in the discussion of the
draft, was due to the fact that, according to the project (the author of the
legislative initiative - a member of parliament Guguli Magradze) the norms are
to be added to the law, envisaging forms of participation of municipalities in
suppression of domestic violence – municipalities are entitled to participate
in prevention of domestic violence by means of awareness raising, study of the
reason of the conflict, mediation, arrangement of crisis centers/shelters etc.
At the
sitting we had the opportunity to argue the need to include municipalities
together with state instances and social institutions in prevention of domestic
violence, provision of the relevant assistance to victims of violence and the
management of cases of violence.
Fund
"Sukhumi” has raised at different levels the issue of the need for integrating
social programmes into the measures aimed at assisting victims of violence and
presenting local government as one of coordinating branches of the State
referral mechanism.
Principal
position of Fund "Sukhumi” is that the aforementioned is the best way out from
the situation. And it is impossible to achieve this without relevant changes.
After discussion, members of the Committee on legal issues supported submission
of the draft to the session.
We consider
that adoption of the law will be a declared political will that stresses direct
responsibility of the state with regard to the solution of the problem of
violence. Fund "Sukhumi” plans to continue the work for the public support of
the Law.
Gender
Advisory Councils - a new institutional model
for
gender-related changes in the regions
From September 01, 2013 to
September 01, 2016 Cultural-Humanitarian Fund "Sukhumi" is
implementing the project "Gender Advisory Councils – increasing women’s
role in social changes of regions”.
The project is financed by the UN Women Fund for Gender
Equality. The project will be implemented by Fund "Sukhumi” in coordination with
the UN Women in Georgia.
The project is aimed at increasing the participation
of women in decision-making at the local level through the establishment and
strengthening of the capacity of Gender Advisory Councils (GACs) in three towns
in western Georgia - Kutaisi, Senaki, Ozurgeti. The Councils will unite members
of the local City Councils and civic activists - both women and men (IDP,
local, ethnic minorities, media, NGOs).
The GACs will annually conduct a gender analysis of policies and budgets
of local governments, develop recommendations to better reflect gender components
in local budgets and will lobby for them. The GACs will also assess local
gender needs, based on which the projects will be developed and presented to
the local City Councils for co-financing.
The project will raise awareness of local government and society about
the need to increase the women’s representation and their role in
decision-making through regular meetings, information campaigns (journal,
website, facebook account, TV and radio programmes), round tables.
The GACs will collaborate with the Gender
Equality Council of the Parliament of Georgia.
Expected outcomes:
·Established Gender Advisory Councils in three cities (a model of institutional
mechanism) have promoted gender components in local budgets and program
planning.
·Informed citizens in target cities have supported increasing of women’s representation
and their role in decision-making at the local level.
·The network of GACs has advocated for changes institutionalizing gender
equality mechanisms on local level in the Gender Equality National Action Plan
and the Organic Law of Georgia on Local Self-Governance.
GAC - is combined resources, new knowledge and skills, cooperation
between state and society, mutual responsibility for achieving gender equality.
GAC - a new institutional mechanism, the new
model at the local level in the Georgian context.
Fund „Sukhumi" joins the international informational campaign
„16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence"
From November 25 to November 10, by tradition, Fund "Sukhumi” joins international campaign against gender based violence.
Since 1991, the main theme of the campaign is – „End violence against women".
„Peace in the Home" is associated to „Peace in the World", therefore the campaign unites people of good will worldwide around the theme of 2012: „From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World".
Fund "Sukhumi" organizes informational campaign with the participation of fund members, volunteers, youth leaders, partners and beneficiaries in cities, districts and villages of western Georgia (Kutaisi, Tskhaltubo, Khoni, Poti, Ozurgeti, Batumi, Senaki, Zugdidi, Khurcha, Koki). There will be distributed special informational leaflets, posters, and calendars.
Within the campaign the folowing activities are planned: meetings with local and central government agencies, public groups, roundtable discussions, debates, film screenings and discussions, television and radio programs, the performances of forum-theater, women's handicraft exhibition. During the campaign the social advertising will be transmitted through various media outlets.
The campaign, in various forms, is supported by social institutions, private companies, cultural, health and educational institutions.
The image of the campaign is football team "Torpedo Kutaisi”
The overall theme of the campaign serves to raise awareness of society on the need to work to change violent and militaristic mentality and also involve as many partners as possible in the process of building just and peaceful world.
On October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2013 - Cultural-Humanitarian Fund "Sukhumi" is implementing the project "Women’s Civic participation" supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED, Washington).
The project covers four regions of western Georgia (Imereti, Samegrelo, Adjara, Guria).
Project objectives:
zTo encourage women’s participation in civic society and conflict resolution.
zTo improve women’s civic capacity in advance of the 2014 local elections.
According to the project the intensive work of the League of Women Voters is anticipated in the cities of western Georgia - Kutaisi, Tskaltubo, Khoni, Senaki, Zugdidi, Poti, Ozurgeti and Batumi.
In the second half of the project rural clubs will join the League from Khurcha Koki, Menji, Bia (Samegrelo).
A new phase of educational activities provides workshops, where women learn techniques of advocacy and debate, development of strategies for advocacy and lobbying, as well as improvement of their leadership skills.
Equipped with the relevant skills, women will participate in the meetings of the local City Council and will hold meetings with the political parties in order to draw attention to women's issues.
They will also prepare a package of proposals to protect the interests of the local population, which will be submitted to the local government, political parties and other institutions for further advocacy and lobbying.
Within the project, representatives of the Fund "Sukhumi" and the Association of Women of Abkhazia (Sukhumi) will meet in Yerevan to share experiences and discuss possibilities for the future cooperation.
All the activities, planned under the project, will aim to improve opportunities for women in order to fully participate in public and political processes.
The meetings with the political parties will help to support women in the party structures, the relationship between political parties and the League of Women Voters, and the support of potential women candidates in the local elections of 2014.
We believe that the project will promote civic empowerment of women, development of civil society, the positive impact on future local elections from a gender perspective, the introduction of peace, stability and democratic principles in the country.
"From dialogue between women and local authorities to cooperation”
On October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2013 - Cultural-Humanitarian Fund "Sukhumi" is implementing the project "From dialogue between women and local authorities to cooperation".
The project is funded by the U.S. Embassy in Georgia, and focused on the involvement of the League of Women Voters of Fund "Sukhumi" in the decision-making process at the local level in 8 cities of western Georgia (Kutaisi, Tskaltubo, Khoni, Poti, Senaki, Zugdidi, Ozurgeti, Batumi) through the creation of a strong and organized network and development of the dialogue with local power structures.
The direct beneficiaries of the project are members of the 8 Clubs of Women Voters, more than 240 women.
The implementation of the project and the decision of many vital issues will benefit to: the population of these cities and regions; women's group, which will become more powerful, popular and demanded that ultimately promotes equal gender participation in decision-making process; local government, which will establish close cooperation with the community and will consider its recommendations; women IDPs involved in the project, as the project will contribute to their socialization and full integration into society.
Consideration of the importance of public participation in decision-making, increases the vitality of issues such as the provision of education for different groups, as well as support in development of initiatives to promote dialogue with local authorities, local communities and competent advocacy for IDPs and local population problems.
The League of Women Voters of Fund "Sukhumi", which includes eight clubs, will actively incorporate their activists in the project. They will be trained, learn about the problems of the community, and develop civil initiatives and proposals that can be resolved at the local level.
The project participants will attend sessions of City Council to consider initiatives. After that, these initiatives will be discussed at the panel discussions with local governments of 8 cities of western Georgia, in consultation with civil society, the media, non-governmental organizations and government agencies.
The Reagan-Fascell
Democracy Fellows Program is an international exchange program that offers
practitioners, scholars, and journalists from around the world the opportunity
to spend five months at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), in
Washington DC, in order to undertake independent research on democracy in a
particular country or region.
For more detailed
information see attached files in Russian and English languages.
