In the words of Elene Makhatelashvili: “We must be the ones to break the chain of harmful stereotypes”
Elene Makhatelashvili, 35, is a journalist by training and a civic activist by conviction. From an early age, she has worked to improve the lives of those around her - first in her hometown of Telavi and now in the capital, Tbilisi, where she lives with her husband and runs a transport company. Her path to activism began in her teenage years in Telavi, when she challenged the status quo in her own bold way. Elene was also among the participants of the Women’s Leadership Academy - an initiative by UN Women and EECMD under the project “Women’s Increased Leadership for Democracy in Georgia” (WILD), funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
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“When I was a teenager, I dressed like an American rapper. In a small town like Telavi, that was so unusual that people still remember it. But for me, it was a form of protest - I wanted our school environment to reflect students’ interests, not be based solely on discipline and fear. I think my activism started back then.
Later, I pursued journalism as a profession, driven by the same passion for justice and community voice. But it was the School of Democracy, an informal civic education programme run by the Eastern European Centre for Multiparty Democracy (EECMD), that truly shaped my perspective.
Joining the programme in 2016 opened my eyes. I learned that every citizen has the right to attend municipal council meetings and demand solutions to local problems. It made me realize that even one person can make a real difference - starting with their own neighbourhood.
After completing the programme, I explored careers in sales, customer service, and public relations. But I never strayed from my core calling: civic engagement. Whenever something broke in the neighbourhood, someone needed help, or a voice was needed to speak up - I was there.
When I moved to Tbilisi, I quickly noticed the everyday problems affecting my new community. I joined a Facebook group created by neighbours and soon became its moderator.
From that point on, whenever something needed fixing, I was the first to raise my voice. I’m proud that four years later, our collective efforts have resolved many of our neighbourhood’s issues. We’ve built a culture of mutual support and solidarity. That’s what community is all about.
I was also among the participants of the Women’s Leadership Academy - an initiative by UN Women and EECMD under the project “Women’s Increased Leadership for Democracy in Georgia” (WILD), funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
When I heard about the Academy, I was immediately drawn in by the name and the idea. I had long been looking for other active women in Telavi - those who weren’t afraid to demand accountability from decision makers. At the Academy, I finally found them. Listening to their experiences was one of the most memorable parts of the journey.
I believe the barriers women face in public and political life are rooted in deep-seated stereotypes. But I also believe that these barriers are not immovable.
We can’t change the past - we’ve all faced obstacles, and we’ve all encountered outdated perceptions. But we can use what we’ve learned to raise a new generation - free, equal, and unafraid. We must be the ones to break the chain of harmful stereotypes.
There isn’t a day when I don’t think about my street, my neighbourhood, or my country. Personal success isn’t enough for me. I want the steps I take - big or small - to help others too. That’s what real success looks like to me.“