Within the framework of the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles, UN Women has had a long-standing, close cooperation with the Georgian private sector. This partnership is gradually expanding in support of gender equality through new initiatives, becoming even more strategic.

The six-day “How to Start a Business” course taught women in Georgia how to generate start-up ideas and validate them, as well as how to build the right team and create a product. They also developed strategic and innovative thinking, and learned about planning and product distribution, financial documentation, business modeling and investment proposals.

Five months ago, when Lika Goguadze returned to work, it was the first time in four years. Goguadze is 37 years old and lives in Tbilisi. After finally divorcing her abusive husband, freedom came with financial stress and emotional scars.

Three businesses were recognized for their efforts to promote women’s empowerment and gender equality at an awards ceremony organized by Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Georgia in cooperation with UN Women.

At a conference in Tbilisi, five private businesses shared their future plans for promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women, formalized in action plans based on the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs).