British and Romanian Ambassadors introduced to the efforts of the Network of Women and Youth Peace Ambassadors

The Government of the United Kingdom actively supports UN Women in empowering internally displaced (IDP) and conflict-affected women community leaders, with the aim of enhancing their engagement in the local implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. As part of this support, the British Ambassador to Georgia, H.E. Mr. Gareth Ward, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to Georgia, H.E. Mr. Răzvan Rotundu, visited Zugdidi on 28 April and met with members of the Network of Women and Youth Peace Ambassadors.

The first large-scale entity of such leaders in Georgia, the Network of Women and Youth Peace Ambassadors was established in 2023. It brings together more than 200 IDP and conflict-affected women and young people from 17 municipalities across the country. Members of the network are actively involved in local policymaking processes and in advocating for the needs of their communities.

During the meeting with the British and Romanian Ambassadors, eight representatives of the network shared the outcomes of their advocacy efforts and local initiatives. They also highlighted the needs of their communities and the importance of international support. Against the backdrop of internal and external challenges - particularly in the regions - where representatives of organizations working on women’s rights and gender equality, as well as women activists, face numerous obstacles, the meeting with the diplomats held a particular significance. The women also emphasized this implication during the discussion.

“For the past two years, we have been living in a difficult reality,” said Ana Leponava, a member of the network who lives in the village of Rukhi, near the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL). “In light of these developments, your support is twice as important, as our women now need empowerment and assistance more than ever. We rely on the support of you - our donors and international organizations.”

Following the meeting, the British and Romanian Ambassadors visited Zugdidi Public School No. 12, located within an IDP settlement. Thanks to the active engagement of women and youth members of the network, the school gymnasium was renovated and outfitted with the necessary equipment. The guests had the opportunity to visit and observe the refurbished facility.

Since 2018, UN Women in Georgia has been working on the localization of the WPS agenda. The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with three non-governmental organizations: the Women’s Information Center, the IDP Women Association “Consent” and the Women Fund “Sokhumi”.

The localization of the WPS agenda and the formation of the Network of Women and Youth Peace Ambassadors are integral components of the UN Women project “Accelerating Implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Georgia”. The project is supported by the Government of the United Kingdom.