Local governments to become pro-active on combatting violence against women

Within the framework of the EU supported project “Unite to Fight Violence against Women” UN Women is engaged in capacity development interventions of local governments on gender equality and violence against women issues in Qvemo Qartli and Guria.

This project responds directly to the commitments undertaken by the government of Georgia under the National Action Plan for 2016-2017 on the Measures to be Implemented for Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence and Protection of Victims/Survivors and aims at prevention and elimination of violence against women, as well as establishment of efficient mechanisms for the protection of and assistance to victims/survivors of such violence.

On June 27-28, 2017 UN Women in partnership with the Training Center of the Ministry of Justice conducted a two-day training for the representatives of local governments from Qvemo Qartli region. The training aimed at familiarizing local governments with legislation and good practices in preventing and responding to violence against women and domestic violence. Over the course of two days, participants discussed various topics including Georgia’s international, regional and national obligations on gender equality and combating violence against women, role of local governments in promoting gender equality and providing services to the victims/survivors of violence against women and domestic violence.

As the level of government closest to the people, local governments have a critical role in promoting gender equality and preventing violence against women, as well as promoting services for victims/survivors of such violence. „The role of local governments in promoting gender equality and combating violence against women has been recently enhanced in light of the legislative changes mandating local governments to undertake special measures for combating violence against women and promoting gender equality in their respective constituencies. The training is a timely initiative to equip us with necessary skills and knowledge on how local governments can translate these legal obligations in action,” – said Pati Tvildiani, training participant from Bolnisi municipality.

Within the framework of the initiative, UN Women plans to continue providing capacity development intervention to different service providers in Qvemo Qartli and Guria, including the local governments, police and social workers.