Goals

Problem statement:

Gender equality means equal opportunities, participation and the equal appearance of both genders in the public and private sphere. It aims at encouraging the full participation of women and men in social life. It also requires constant strife, protection and support. Social justice is badly developed in Georgia, and so is civil awareness and respect of differences in terms of opinion, gender, national religion, equality. Women’s participation in terms of decision-making is also low.

Gender stereotypes often oblige women only to take care of the family and children in place of social activity. We often come across such attitudes especially in villages, where the mentality of more than half of men still implies that a woman’s job is to take care of family and speechless obey the men. Girls often become victims of violence or early marriage, causing them to forgo education.

I have worked on the Senaki Municipality gender consultation council for four years and worked on gender equality and domestic violence prevention. I have seen a serious need for education, causing me to to create a “Forum-Theater."

Proposed Solution:

The aim of creating Forum-Theater is to make 5-8 minute mini-plays describing several different situations which address gender equality and gender based violence. During the intervals between the play, a discussion will be held on the covered problems. The plays will be held in youth center around Samegrelo.

After the completion of each story, there will be a discussion with the audience, listening to their views about resolving a violent episode by means of a non-violent way. This concept of the theater is the way to change a traditional relationship between the audience and theater, also to increase the society’s involvement in tackling the problem. Forms of violence towards women, men and children will be described in the stories. The plays will be intended for people of any gender and age.

Sustainability:

The PR campaign of the project will use television support and social media coverage. Within the scope of the project the main beneficiaries will be 500 people from Samegrelo region Abasha, Senaki, Martvili, Khobi and Zugdidi, and indirect beneficiaries will include 60% of the population. We hope that the play will have long lasting impacts on people's thinking on gender.

Equal gender opportunity:

In terms of gender balance, girls as well as boys will be occupied in the Forum Theater. The plays will cover the cases of gender discrimination against both women as well as men. As a result of the project, the people of both genders will benefit from it.