Goals

Problem statement:

Currently, gender equality is one of the most discussed issues in Georgia, but most of the activities are organized in capital city. Gender-based issues are common all around the country, though the problems differ according regions.

The lack of discussion encourages stereotypes and a distorted understanding of gender among ordinary people. Topics such as female workers’ rights, pay gap, unemployment, women's participation in political processes, reproductive rights, sex education, domestic violence require an analytical approach from a wider society involving both the men and women.

Therefore, our goal is to raise awareness by encouraging young people to discuss gender equality and and existing stereotypes. Let their voices be heard!

Proposed Solution:

We decided to develop the project where young people from Tbilisi, Rustavi and Akhaltsikhe could meet, exchange ideas and knowledge, and receive practical and theoretical information. We identified the most important issues in each city. During the first half of the project representatives of each city will meet in their hometowns to discuss female workers’ rights, pay gap, and unemployment.

Rustavi: workplace rights for women is important because of the high number of heavy industry factories;

Tbilisi: Reproductive rights, and sex education as a prevention of domestic violence. Tbilisi is a good place to address the most sensitive issues, as people have greater readiness to talk openly.

Akhaltsikhe: Women’s participation in communities and difficulties of women from ethnic minority groups, culture and women, which is suitable as the city has the most ethnic diversity.

Professionals working on gender related issues will be invited as guest speakers.

After attending the project activities participants will be required to write blog posts on different issues identified as crucial during the discussions. Participants from each city will have the possibilities to share, learn and analyse these problems as well as find possible solutions.

All the participants will be invited to Rustavi to present the topics from their hometown. We will finish the day with certificate award ceremony for the best blog posts.

Sustainability:

During the final activity of the project participants will gain project writing skills, so the will have an opportunity to develop and implement their own ideas and collaborate with each other. Blogs will be kept as a tool of dissemination and participants will still be able to post about their new ideas and achievements.

Equal gender opportunity:

Everyone interested in the project will be asked to fill the application form. During the selection process we will keep the gender balance, as both men and women need to learn about gender issues.