Boot Camp Strengthens Network of Women Leaders in Georgia

From 24 to 28 February, 34 graduates of the Women’s Leadership Academy gathered in the Kakheti region for a high-impact boot camp designed to strengthen their leadership skills and foster a supportive network of women leaders across Georgia.

“For me, these days have been an opportunity to empower women and to find one another,” said Aza Gabunia, a 40-year-old participant from Batumi, Adjara. Like the other attendees - from Tbilisi, Kakheti, and Imereti - Gabunia is a graduate of the Women’s Leadership Academy, a flagship initiative by UN Women in partnership with the Eastern European Centre for Multiparty Democracy (EECMD).

The Academy offers a tailored curriculum focused on democracy, advocacy, gender equality, and political participation, specifically adapted to the Georgian context. Since its inception, 89 women from four regions have completed the programme. Participants for the boot camp were selected from among these graduates, underscoring their commitment to continued leadership development.

Over five days, participants took part in expert-led thematic sessions, practical workshops, and mentorship opportunities. Role-playing exercises and personalized consultations helped enhance their political, communication, and advocacy skills.

“It was very important to learn from the experience and practical advice of both international and local speakers,” said Gabunia. “But what impressed me most was hearing the stories of other women and witnessing the creation of a solidarity-based, supportive environment. I believe this should serve as a model for organizing our society.”

A key objective of the boot camp was to strengthen the network among women leaders, fostering solidarity and encouraging greater involvement in democratic processes. Participants were also encouraged to collaborate on joint initiatives aimed at advancing political and economic development in Georgia.

The Women’s Leadership Academy, part of the “Women’s Increased Leadership for Democracy in Georgia” (WILD) project, will continue over the next three years, expanding to additional regions. More than 200 women are expected to take part, further cementing the role of women in shaping Georgia’s future.

The WILD project is implemented by UN Women with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).