Regular dialogue with civil society representatives on the Geneva International Discussions continues
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UN Women continues to support regular information-sharing meetings on the Geneva International Discussions (GID). The meetings are aimed at promoting the meaningful participation of women in the peace processes, as well as addressing women’s needs and priorities.
On 16 November 2021, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia convened a meeting with civil society organizations (CSOs), including representatives of women’s CSOs, focusing on the GID and the Women, Peace and Security agenda (WPSA).
The round-table meeting proceeded in two thematic sessions. In the first session, Mr. Lasha Darsalia, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, discussed the work of the Government of Georgia towards the peaceful resolution of conflicts and existing challenges. “We find feedback from the international community very important, especially towards the integration and implementation of the WPSA,” he stated.
The second session was dedicated to the needs of IDP and conflict-affected women and girls, as well as to the integration of the WPSA into the peace process and ensuring its inclusiveness.
During the discussion, representatives of women’s CSOs addressed the following issues: creating alternative formats, raising the awareness of and access to COVID-19 vaccination, ensuring the property rights for the next generation of the IDPs, and ensuring young people’s access to education on Georgian language. “We must continue to consult with representatives of women’s civil society and community-based organizations, especially IDP and conflict-affected women and girls, considering gender-specific approaches to ensure their participation in alternative platforms and formats,” mentioned Ekaterine Gamakharia, a representative of the Cultural-Humanitarian Fund “Sukhumi”.
The meeting was also attended by field experts and representatives of the international organizations, the diplomatic corps and civil society.
The meeting was held within the framework of the UN Women project “Accelerating Implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Georgia”, generously funded by the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund of the British Government.