Custom solutions on combating violence against women in focus

Within the framework of the “Unite to Fight Violence against Women” project funded by EU, UN Women is working with local stakeholders in Guria and Qvemo Qartli to develop bespoke, region-specific solutions on ending violence against women.

In order to gain first-hand understanding of the region-specific context, develop custom solutions and ensure a coordinated approach, UN Women is conducting a series of consultations in both project target regions of Guria and Qvemo Qartli; On July 28, 2017 UN Women representatives visited Qvemo Qartli and met with local stakeholders, including representatives of the local government, civil society organizations and Public Defender’s Office (PDO) to discuss local needs, priorities and partnership opportunities.

Strengthening the role of local governments in the national response to violence against women, increasing monitoring and oversight functions of PDO’s regional Bureau and developing partnerships with local NGOs and CBOs were among highlight topics discussed during the consultation meetings. Another important item on the agenda was establishment of a crisis center for the victims/survivors of violence against women and domestic violence in Marneuli – a venture to be implemented jointly by UN Women and the State Fund for the Protection and Assistance of Victims of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence in partnership with the Marneuli municipality. During the meeting with UN Women, Head of Gamgeoba at the Marneuli Municipality, Mr. Merab Topchashvili stressed the local government of Marneuli is “committed to contribute to ending violence against women” especially in light of the recent legislative amendments encouraging the local governments to promote gender equality and combat violence against women within their constituencies.

“A holistic, region-specific approach is necessary to overcome violence against women and girls and all stakeholders – from national and local governments to human rights institutions and development partners have an important role to play in this” - said Ms. Mariam Gvidiani, regional gender equality specialist under the PDO’s Gender Equality Department.

The findings and evidence captured via regional consultation meetings in project target regions will inform UN Women’s work to design custom-made program interventions in Guria and Qvemo Qartli throughout the project lifespan. Interventions include but are not limited to enhancing service provision systems for the victims/survivors of violence against women, capacity development of service providers, raising awareness and promoting zero tolerance to violence against women and girls.