New Publication Sheds Light on the Historic Rights of Georgian Women

A newly released book is offering fresh insights into the historical status and entitlements enjoyed by Georgian women from the 12th to the 18th centuries. Published with the support of UN Women and the Korneli Kekelidze Georgian National Centre of Manuscripts, The Rights of Women in Georgia in the 12th–18th Centuries compiles legal documents, court rulings, and historical acts that showcase the role of women in the country’s governance, legal system, and society.

The book highlights how Georgian women actively participated in political life and governance from as early as the Middle Ages. Historical records reveal that women had the right to own and manage property, participate in judicial proceedings, and exert influence in both marital and family law.

“The book highlights the role women played in state governance, legislation, and socioeconomic life in Georgia,” said Tamar Chokhonelidze, Deputy Director of the National Centre of Manuscripts. “It covers such themes as women’s participation in public service, their status as property owners, and their legal standing in family and judicial matters. This makes the publication a valuable resource for anyone interested in these topics.”

Women’s contributions to history—both in Georgia and globally—are often overlooked, leading to gaps in academic and educational literature. This publication serves as an important step in filling that void, offering researchers, students, and the general public a comprehensive resource on the historical agency of Georgian women.

The book is available at the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia, with an electronic version accessible via the UN Women website. It was produced as part of the “Women’s Increased Leadership for Democracy in Georgia” (WILD) project, implemented by UN Women with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).