The theme of the talk-show of Fund "Sukhumi” was about attitude of Media towards active women.
What is the gender vector of media in Georgia – in terms of press, radio, television, social networks; do active women, especially those in politics, perceive media as an ally, are the women's issues on media agenda, and what is the editorial policy in this regard?
At the telecast representatives of central and regional mass media, women occupied in different spheres expressed their attitude towards the topics initiated by Fund "Sukhumi". There was made an analysis of the gender politics of media and discussed the most popular themes in relation to women and the issue of constructiveness of media.
An interesting discussion took place in connection with the coverage of women's issues by Georgian media. They said that it is desirable that the Georgian TV space devoted more time and place to women's issues.
A journalist Eka Pkhakadze talked about the film "Difficult choice – woman in politics”, prepared by the order of Fund "Sukhumi”. She talked about the two personages of the film who are the best examples of clever and successful women. She said that popularization of such professionals might help motivate young women-leaders.
The head of the information sector of Fund "Sukhumi” mentioned that there is no active and highly respected woman left in Western Georgia who was not included in the information space of fund at different times. It was not only their popularization, raising public awareness on their activities, but also the motivation of other women for active civic and political activities.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization EED Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst.
""Despite the fact that preparations for the parliamentary elections have not yet moved to the active phase, fund" Sukhumi" tries to create preconditions through cooperation with the society, political parties, women engaged in active politics and contribute to increase of the number of women in the main representation body.
In the studio of the TV company "Rioni" gathered representatives of non-governmental sector, society, local government, and women - members of the City council.
The TV plot, prepared by Fund "Sukhumi", tells about examples of fruitful co-operation of women - members of regional Clubs of Women-Voters and local self governments.
Women - representatives of local self-government, invited to the NATO headquarters in Brussels on the recommendation of fund "Sukhumi" told about very interesting meetings.
Women - members of the monitoring group told about the work on the monitoring of social programs of the local self government. According to them, in terms of exchange of international experience exchange meetings in Azerbaijan and Armenia were very useful for them.
What is the role of women in local self government, how they cope with protection of the interests of their fellow citizens, what issues have priority for them and what are their initiatives? - about these issues were talking women - deputies.
"We see that our citizens, especially women, have many problems and they often impose great hope on us. This is a big responsibility and we try to justify their trust, - such was their position.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization NED – National Endowment for Democracy, USA.
The telecast, organized by Fund "Sukhumi" was dedicated to the International Children's Day. Participants of the telecast were IDP children, teachers, law enforcement officials, poets and actors.
In the course of the telecast there were given answers to the questions: what is the environment in which our children live, whether they have the optimum conditions for healthy and full-fledged development in family, school and society.
Participants mentioned that children have the right to grow up in a nonviolent environment. Everyone should take care of their health, spiritual and mental development, and especially the State.
Adolescents from IDP families were especially active during the TV discussion. They talked about their dreams, fixed their vision of what is happening around them, and wished all their peers peaceful and happy future.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization EED Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst.
The TV plot of Fund "Sukhumi" aired on live of the TV broadcasting company "Rioni" commented on the Lobbying Institute and its practical use. Interesting parallels in terms of international experience, the reasons for the low popularity of this institution, the methodology, phases of the campaign of lobbying and efficiency - TV viewers had the opportunity to listen to the information from professionals, familiar with the first attempts of international organizations in terms of advocacy and lobbying.
"I have a great desire that my fellow citizens see in my face "their man" in local government who would support them in solution of all the painful issues" - such a position was expressed by one of the members of the local government.
"Unfortunately, many non-governmental organizations are choosing this direction only to attract donors. We welcome the great efforts of fund "Sukhumi", which carries out work in this direction at all levels. Their opinion that "they yet have no visible results" is unimportant. The main thing is that there is a precedent, a good example for others, especially women's groups that should advocate and then lobby for their own and other people's problems" - was stressed at the telecast.
A regular telecast from the cycle "Woman and politics” was aired by the TV broadcasting company "Rioni”.
The plot shown prior to the telecast was about activity of the Clubs of Women-Voters on advocacy of women’s problems. Definition of problems, meetings with members of local self-government, acquaintance with social packages and cooperation in solution of crucial issues, formation of advocacy group and definition of Action Strategy. Study visits make the activity in this direction even more effective.
Guests invited to the telecast – members of Clubs of Women-Voters in Tskhaltubo and Kutaisi, project assistants, representatives of non-governmental sector with the work experience in the similar activity told about advocacy of civic interests, who can conduct advocacy campaigns, how Clubs select problems, how they are going to work on advocacy and lobbying.
The conversation touched upon problems identified in Kutaisi and Tskhaltubo: municipal transport benefits for certain categories of people, the issue of night-time transport operation, ramps for unimpeded movement of people with disabilities and prams, lack of toilets in the city center.
Particular concern was expressed over the fact that, there is a problem with drinking water in the centre of the city and objects with the sweet water of uncertain composition, which are not complied with basic health standards, do not solve it.
"Our goal is not to find problems for the confrontation. We want to cooperate with all to resolve these and other vital issues".
"We will try to frequently remind of these issues to those who are responsible for their solution".
Fund "Sukhumi” representatives talked briefly about the course of advocacy campaign in other clubs and which issues had been resolved as a result of these campaigns.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization NED – National Endowment for Democracy, USA.
How should the theme of domestic violence be highlighted in media? What does
the concept of social journalism means? What responsibility lies on journalist
with regard to this issue?
Journalists of Fund, representatives of mass media in Imereti, journalists
of regional offices of the central TV and radio broadcasting companies gathered
at the telecast initiated by Fund "Sukhumi".
"... This topic should be covered very carefully. We - journalists
often highlight only facts. We do not have time to look for reasons, it is more
subject of an analytical program, but it does not mean that this issue should
be ignored by us and that we should avoid it because it is an "inconvenient"
theme.
"The more we'll talk about this theme with our children, in
newspapers, on radio and television, the less chance violators will have to
stay unpunished."
"The main thing is that with our help society will realize what the
causes of violence are. The main thing is that young people make analysis of
what is good and bad".
"It should not be a scandalous theme, although, unfortunately, we have
to admit that there is such an order. But in our view protection of victims of
violence is the greatest good".
Such was the journalists’ position.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization EED Evangelischer
Entwicklungsdienst.
A regular telecast was aired on TV "Rioni” on April 13. Guests of the telecast were young ladies – graduates of the School of Young Women Leaders, successful young women and assistants of the project.
How did the idea of creating the School of Leaders appeared, what did the training course included, what were the expectations of the organizers and participants, were the hopes for the school justified and what is the organization planning in the future, how the girls intend to use the skills acquired? Answers to these questions were received during the telecast. Meanwhile, the audience had the opportunity to watch a TV plot about the School of Leaders prepared by fund "Sukhumi”.
Assistants of the Fund talked about the selection of the school participant, the principles on which the school operates.
According to the girls, an interactive teaching method, when the theory is alternated with the practice, has helped them in obtaining appropriate skills. "The Fund has actively involved us in its activities, given the opportunity to work on projects, be actively engaged in the activities planned within the framework of the public campaign".
"The Fund has expressed to me great confidence. Now I am involved in a very important project".
"My friend went to this school. I was looking at her with a good envy. I have already participated in the selection training and I hope to become the school student".
"I am delighted with the girls and I am glad that fund "Sukhumi" gives them that opportunity. I am sure that if there are many such young girls the current gender situation will be changed", - this was a comment of a young representative from the local government. She also spoke about her experiences and the way to success.
A telecast with participation of the project participants and guests, invited by Fund "Sukhumi” was aired on TV "Rioni” on February 24.
The topic of the telecast was "Legal and social mechanisms of domestic violence". The guests of the telecast discussed the topic and answered questions of viewers who called in the studio.
During the telecast there an interactive poll was conducted to reveal the position of the population - whether they consider it necessary to adapt the monetary penalties on violators. According to the votes received 88 percent supported this position, while 12 percent were against.
"Until the television is so uncontrolled and there is an obvious propaganda of violence, the society will be powerless against it" - this remark of a viewer expresses the mood of quite a large part of society, which is outraged by the growing aggression in the society.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization EED Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst.
A regular telecast was transmitted on air of TV broadcasting company "Rioni” on February 11th. Participants of the telecast were co-chairperson of fund "Sukhumi", project assistants, activists of the Clubs of Women-Voters and representatives of the monitoring group, which carries out monitoring of the social programs of local self governments of Kutaisi, Tskhaltubo and Khoni.
The telecast started with the TV plot, prepared by Fund "Sukhumi". Then audience was provided with information about the projects funded by the National Endowment for Democracy, strategies of activity of the Clubs of Women-Voters, issues of cooperation with political parties, and about the stage the issue of advocacy and lobbying for legislative initiative of fund "Sukhumi" (government assistance to all women giving birth in the amount of 600 GEL).
During the telecast there was sounded information about international experience in lobbying of women’s issues.
It was noted that the systematic exchange of information between clubs of Women-Voters and local governments will make their cooperation more productive. Good examples of this can be seen in Ozurgeti and Khobi, where local self government encourages initiatives of the Club members.
An interesting work is carried out within the project supported by the U. Embassy in Georgia, which enables active women IDPs to carry out gender analysis of policies and programs of local government. "We should not hide the fact that IDPs often fall out of the general social context. That's why this project is particularly interesting for us. Firstly, we have regained a sense of our social value "- these words belong to the project participants.
At the end of the telecast once again there was announced policy of Fund "Sukhumi" - cooperation with all political actors to support women’s positions in political parties.
A telecast organized by Fund "Sukhumi" was transmitted on the air of the TV company "Rioni".
Prior to the beginning of the telecast there was showed a TV plot highlighting the work done by Fund "Sukhumi" within the framework of a worldwide campaign against Gender Violence from November 25 to December 10 around Western Georgia.
In the studio gathered lawyers-experts of Fund "Sukhumi", members of the journalistic discussion club, Forum-theatre actors, students of the School of Young Women-Leaders, representatives of three generations of society.
What is the extent of violence, where should reasons be found, what should be opposed to it, and how to change attitude of society to violence.
The position of youth was interesting. They think that violence has a social content. This is not a private case and is not limited by family, but instead begins to spread in society. This confirms the unfortunate incident that occurred in the region and ended in tragedy.
The conversation touched on the law. They said that the law should protect victims. There were phone calls in the studio and which fixed public interest in the issues.
The finalу stage of the first day of the campaign was a telecast transmitted on the air of the TV company "Rioni".
A non-traditional format of the telecast - involvement of the youth forum-theater to stimulate public debate on live – caused great interest of spectators.
Topics - violence against women, elderly people, the high level of aggression among youth, alienation, the issue of values - were very interesting for the audience:
"Such telecasts are very relevant!”
"Thank you for discussing of such issues”.
"These scenes reminded me my whole life”.
"We should know more to be more healthy society”.
-These words were heard during the phone calls of spectators. Fund "Sukhumi" will continue public discussions on these issues.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization EED Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst.
On September 23 on the air of the TV company "Rioni” was transmitted the last telecast from the cycle "Woman and politics”.
In the studio gathered project assistants, leaders of Clubs of Women-Voters of Imereti region, journalists as well as women-representatives of the local self government.
In the beginning of the telecast there was showed a TV plot made by the journalists of Fund "Sukhumi”.
There was summed up the activity carried out during a year. Participants of the telecast gave answers to the questions: What was planned within the framework of the project? What activities have been carried out? Are the obtained outcomes satisfactory? What was left to be done and what should be done in the future?
Participants of the telecast said that the fulfilled stage of the project coincided with the local self-government elections that defined the scope of activities – mobilization of the League of Women-Voters, support of women-candidates, and cooperation with political parties. The outcome of the carried out activity is that there were selected 5 members of the Club of Women-Voters after the past local self government elections.
An interesting opinion that "the gender glacier should be melt” was expressed by one of the representatives of the local self government of Kutaisi. She mentioned that cooperation with Fund, especially with women-members of the local self-government gives much from the point of view of information exchange.
As it was found out those women who could not won at the last elections don’t loose courage: "This was great experience for us, practice of communication with people which we’ll necessarily use in the future!”
The nest stage of the project will be dedicated to the strengthening of Clubs of Women-Voters, involvement of more women IDPs in the Clubs’ activity, cooperation with political parties, advocacy and lobby of women’s problems.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization NED – National Endowment for Democracy, USA.
A TV programmes prepared by Fund "Sukhumi” on the topic of increase of women’s role in the local self-government bodies was transmitted on live of the TV company "Rioni” on July 30. After showing the TV plot there was held a discussion.
The project Assistant Miranda Gvantseladze talked about activity carried out by Fund "Sukhumi” with the elected women-deputies with the purpose of cooperation in all regions of Western Georgia. The conversation touched upon a 3-days training held in Kobuleti where women – members of the local self-government initiated the ways fro future cooperation and obtained much new information.
A Chairperson of Young Lawyers Association Nino Tvaltvadze, a journalist Eka Pkhakadze and representatives of Fund "Sukhumi” talked about necessity of increase of women’s role in the local self-government; necessity of cooperation between society and NGOs, importance of the role of mass media. They mentioned that conduction of similar measures (trainings, meetings) is necessary since this will contribute to exchange of information and experience, increase of possibilities of women-deputies.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization NED – National Endowment for Democracy, USA.
A telecast of Fund "Sukhumi” about inclusion of civil society in peaceful resolution of Georgian-Abkhaz conflict was transmitted on live of the TV company "Rioni”.
It covered outcomes of the project implemented with support of International Alert. The objective of the project was to acquaint society with results of the research of Georgian and Abkhaz experts – "Dialogue on security Guarantees in the context of Georgian-Abkhaz conflict”, to initiate public discussions about peaceful ways of conflict resolution.
Experts – participants of the project told about issues discussed at the meetings carried out in the cities of Western Georgia: what is society’s vision, which threats they see, the work in which direction they consider necessary, how far realistic is in their opinion, strategy on occupied territories and what the future of Georgian-Abkhaz and Georgian-Ossetian cooperation is.
They also discussed basic principles of the strategy, mechanisms and perspectives of its implementation. In their opinion "despite the fact that political cooperation is limited, by adopting the Strategy Georgia proved that it is a reliable partner, ready to solve conflict in peaceful way. There is adopted the Action plan which will necessarily interest Abkhazians and Ossetians. To implement it we need time and hard work”.
The project is implemented with the support of International Alert, Great Britain.
The objective of the telecast transmitted on the air of the TV company "Rioni” was to make gender analysis of elections. Guests invited at the telecast – representatives of non-governmental sector, members of the Club of Women-Voters of Fund "Sukhumi” who were actively involved in election process as members of commissions, chairpersons and observers – were talking about how far actively elections were held, whether gender situation changed or not in self-governing units, and how attitude of women’s electorate affected it.
At the telecasts participants mentioned with regret that society did not fully recognize the role and importance of the local self-government. Political parties subjected to criticism political parties about the fact that the focus was basically made on the capital while in regions pre-election campaign was almost not carried out, especially by opposition political actors.
"Most of informational work, especially to support women-candidates was carried out by NGOs”, - mentioned representative of Association of Young Lawyers.
According to opinions of the participants gender situation had not bee changed though in some regions (Oni, Terjola, Kharagauli, Khobi) there were achieved serious success in the local self-government from the point of view of inclusion of more women.
Spectators were promised to meet with women they had elected at the next telecast.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization NED – National Endowment for Democracy, USA.
A telecast initiated by the group of experts of Fund "Sukhumi” on the topic of domestic violence, was transmitted by the TV company "Rioni”.
The plot showed in the beginning of the telecast reflected activity of the organization which has been working in the aforementioned direction for the last years.
-Why the experts’ group was created, what their activity is directed at – participants of the telecast answered these questions. Spectators obtained quite interesting information about results of the monitoring of the Law, which mechanisms the Law has and how effectively they operate.
There were put a lot of questions which helped spectators understand what innovations are in terms of protecting children from violence, whether there are precedents of punishment of a violator, which changes are needed to be made in the Law, whether it is possible to protect a victim and how?
Telephone calls could be heard uninterruptedly in the Fund the next day that proves that such kind of telecast is very relevant.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization EED Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst.
Peace building and inclusion of youth in peace building activities, Caucasian format and its importance for keeping peace and stability in the region. International youth training-seminar held by Fund "Sukhumi” in Kutaisi and future perspectives of cooperation…
Representatives of Fund "Sukhumi”, training participants, forum-theatre actors gathered in the studio of the TV company "Rioni”. The TV plot made by Fund "Sukhumi” tells about the training, joint work of Georgian, Armenian, and Azerbaijani youth.
After the plot participants of the telecast told about their impressions, new friends, and future plans…
"We are very happy to have possibility to participate in the training and also to play the role of a connecting point between us and Armenian and Azerbaijani friends”.
"We have found out that as young persons of post conflict generation we have much in common. We have common issue which we are responsible to solve”, - was told at the training.
Fund "Sukhumi” pays great attention to participation of young persons in peacemaking activity and considers that Caucasian format in this direction is very important. Therefore youth peacemaking initiatives will be supported in the future too, - told participants of the telecast.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization EED Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst.
