Women’s Employment Forum held in connection with International Women’s Day
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Job-seeking women in Georgia still face numerous obstacles, whether it is inequality or stereotypes; for this reason, UN Women constantly supports a variety of initiatives to overcome these challenges. One such event was the Women’s Employment Forum, which was held by the LEPL State Employment Support Agency of Georgia in partnership with UN Women.
More than 40 private companies participated in the forum, and about 300 jobseekers from banking, finance, health care, information technology, marketing, sales, hospitality and other industries were represented. The event was aimed at promoting the employment of women in the formal sector, finding new personnel for businesses and raising awareness of state services.
“I heard about this forum from my friends and decided to come,” said Veronika Khutsishvili, one of the guests of the forum. “I am very happy that such an opportunity was given to me. I have had interviews with many companies, and I hope that I will find a suitable job soon.”
It should be noted that, parallel to the forum, an information desk highlighting state services was also organized, where visitors had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with women-oriented programmes and services.
The event was dedicated to International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on 8 March. It was part of the programme of the UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia “Women’s Increased Leadership for Resilient and Peaceful Societies”, which is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. It should be noted that the programme, which will run in Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine over the next four years, officially launched in Georgia with the Women’s Employment Forum. In parallel with the process of joining the European Union, the initiative aims to help all three countries with conflict prevention, mediation and strengthening the stability of democracy.
The programme serves to increase women’s participation in inclusive governance and public life, as well as decision-making processes in Georgia. It focuses on improving the economic status of women, in particular by supporting their access to information and communication technologies and entrepreneurial skills building. The initiative also places special emphasis on the Women, Peace and Security agenda, highlighting the crucial role of women in conflict prevention, resolution and sustainable peacebuilding.