Mechanism for the prevention and elimination of sexual harassment adopted by the Georgian Rugby Union with the support of UN Women

Sexual harassment in sports is a global problem and one of the most hidden forms of discrimination. It is noteworthy that this topical issue is already discussed broadly in Georgia.

The introduction of an internal mechanism for the prevention and elimination of sexual harassment is the most effective tool for preventing and addressing this problem. It is important to highlight that the Georgian Rugby Union, a long-standing partner of UN Women, has become the first sports union in the country to officially adopt such a mechanism.

As a result of the implementation of the sexual harassment complaints mechanism, the Rugby Union will form a special commission comprising Ana Gvasalia, lawyer to the Rugby Union; Tamar Giorgobiani, Head of the Human Resources Department of the Rugby Union; and Nodar Andghuladze, Welfare Director of the Rugby Union. Any person who considers himself/herself a victim of sexual harassment can appeal to the commission, and its members will hear every such case. The mechanism was developed and implemented with the support of UN Women.

“The Georgian Rugby Union has been involved in the campaign against violence against women for a long time, and we are still engaged in this struggle today,” said Tornike Gogebashvili, Executive Director of the Rugby Union, at a special press conference. “It is important that the Rugby Union do everything it can to create a safe environment for the women and girls in sports. Not only will this create a healthy atmosphere, but it will also help get more girls involved in rugby. It would make us happy if our mechanism of sexual harassment prevention and elimination can become a model case for other sports as well.”

After the approval of the mechanism, the Rugby Union plans to take further steps: first and foremost, all employees, coaches and referees will be informed about the new mechanism and specific issues of its application. UN Women will continue its support and hold trainings for the commission members and the coaches working with girl rugby players, as well as for the representatives of the Rugby Union’s administration.

The support with regard to the development and implementation of the sexual harassment prevention and elimination mechanism was part of the long-term partnership between the Georgian Rugby Union and UN Women. This cooperation is taking place within the framework of the UN Joint Programme for Gender Equality (UNJP4GE), implemented with the generous support of the Government of Sweden.