Theme

Violence against women and domestic violence.

Description

Lagodekhi Municipality actively fights against violence towards women and domestic violence, which is one of the municipality’s main priorities.

On February 2, 2018, a Gender Equality Council was established in Lagodekhi Municipality, and its charter was approved on the same day. The main goal of the council is to conduct gender analysis of legal acts adopted by local self-government bodies and to plan and implement appropriate measures to achieve gender equality.

Currently, a training of trainers module is being developed for council members. After completing the training, participants will have the opportunity to independently conduct training sessions for the local population and spread awareness about gender inequality.

The Gender Equality Council has developed a plan that includes expanding activities in the areas of institutional strengthening of the council, formation of a gender-sensitive budget, as well as education, awareness-raising, health protection, and social security.

It is noteworthy that at this stage, there is already a gender-sensitive budget, which allocates 5000 GEL for providing housing to women victims of violence.

In addition, there is a special article in the budget that addresses the provision of housing for women victims of violence, specifically for paying rent. At this time, there is an increase in the level of awareness on gender equality issues among the population. Representatives and specialists of the Lagodekhi Municipality Mayor’s office have successfully completed training.

The Gender Equality Council has prepared a training of trainers module. After completing the training, council members will have the opportunity to convey useful information to the public and promote awareness of women’s issues.

The success of this practice lies in the fact that a platform has been created where it is possible to raise and intervene in women’s issues. This institution brings together specialists who possess relevant knowledge on women’s issues and are ready to share their experience. At this stage, personnel are prepared who will be able to work on women’s issues and share this knowledge with others. Thus, awareness of gender issues throughout the municipality will continue to increase in the future.

Implementing Organization

Lagodekhi Municipality. Gender Equality Council

Challenge

Gender inequality remains a challenge in Georgia to this day. The result of gender inequality is domestic violence and increased femicides. In 2018, nearly 300 cases of domestic crime were recorded in Kakheti. Throughout Georgia, 5522 restraining orders were issued. According to a study by UN Women, at least 1 in 7 women in Georgia has been a victim of violence. Despite increased reporting, there is still a large number of women who do not yet approach law enforcement agencies. In the Kakheti region, the low level of awareness regarding gender equality is an urgent problem. The problem of women victims of violence is significant, as they often become homeless when leaving the abuser’s house. Lack of housing often forces victims to stay with the abuser and endure physical or other types of violence.

Solution

Lagodekhi Municipality responded to this challenge by creating a Gender Equality Council. The council was established on February 2, 2018, and its charter was approved on the same day. The main goal of the council is to conduct gender analysis of legal acts adopted by local self-government bodies and to plan and implement appropriate measures to achieve gender equality.

The Gender Equality Council has developed a plan that includes issues of institutional strengthening of the council, formation of a gender-sensitive budget, as well as expanding activities in the areas of education, awareness-raising, health protection, and social security.

It is particularly noteworthy that at this stage, there is already a gender-sensitive budget, part of which (5000 GEL) is allocated for providing housing to women victims of violence.

Also, there is a special article in the budget that addresses the provision of housing (payment of rent) for women victims of violence.