Meeting on the economic rehabilitation of violence victim-survivors

An effective fight against gender-based violence requires the involvement of various sectors, including the Government, NGOs, donor organizations and businesses. It is precisely this type of unified approach that leads to large-scale changes in social norms and behaviour, and the private sector can play a special role in this process.

Emphasizing this role was one of the goals of the meeting dedicated to the economic rehabilitation of victims of violence, which was held in connection with International Women’s Day, on the initiative of UN Women, the French Embassy in Georgia and business associations. Representatives of the Anti-Violence Network of Georgia and members of UN WEPs signatory business organizations, the business federation Women for Tomorrow, the European Business Association and the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry participated in the meeting.

The French Ambassador to Georgia, Sheraz Gasri, the UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, Sabine Machl, and the UN Women Country Representative in Georgia, Kaori Ishikawa, opened the meeting.

“The UN will continue to promote gender equality and to support a gender-responsive and discrimination-free environment,” Ms. Machl remarked. “Rehabilitation of violence survivors requires not only justice but also social and economic stability. The private sector can help them by providing employment opportunities, skills training and a supportive workspace.”

Ms. Gasri added: “Investing in women and girls benefits the whole society. That's why French President Macron has made women's rights a priority of our national policy and our diplomacy. In Georgia we have partnered with UNWOMEN and civil society organisations to protect victims of violence. With TBC Bank, we facilitate women entrepreneurs access to financing. Business has an enormous transformative power, to fight discriminations, end prejudices, advance equality. We are looking forward to working with every company and everyone in Georgia to advance the global cause of gender equality #FeministDiplomacy.”

During the event, the participants discussed the current situation in the country with regard to violence against women as well as victim support services, and the private sector representatives shared successful initiatives implemented in their companies aimed at building the social and economic capacities of violence survivors.

“We should all tackle this problem together: the State, businesses and non-governmental organizations,” said Nino Chikhladze, Head of HR and Administration at Liberty Bank, after the meeting. “It is fortunate that public awareness on violence against women is rising year by year, but this is not enough. All of us, as citizens of this country, should get involved in it and take concrete steps [and] do concrete work to help the survivors of violence.”

It is noteworthy that this year, the key message of International Women’s Day, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, highlights the importance of investing in women’s potential and capacities, and calls upon everyone to join their efforts towards achieving gender equality and building democratic communities and fair economies.

The meeting was held within the framework of the UN Women project “Strengthening Specialized Services for the Victims of Gender-Based Violence”, generously funded by the French Government.