Private sector continues to support women victims of violence

The United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) have become a catalyst for many companies to support women and gender equality. Today, more than 300 companies in Georgia have signed on to these principles and are implementing relevant initiatives. Among them, measures to combat violence against women and domestic violence are of particular importance. Nexia Georgia, a local representation of the international audit and consulting network Nexia International, is one of the business companies that supports victims and survivors of violence.

This support from the company began in cooperation with the social enterprise Gemometria, which is operated by the shelter of the non-governmental organization Anti-Violence Network of Georgia (AVNG). The enterprise employs only women victims of violence or survivors of violence and offers catering services. Elene Smagliuki, Head of the Human Resources Department at Nexia Georgia, says that in April 2025, the company purchased Easter cakes made by Gemometria and then, together with its employees, planned a charity event and invited client organizations to participate in it.

“‘Bebe+’ and ‘Libo Group’, which are customers, gladly agreed to take part in this initiative,” Elene explains. “With the money collected by them and Nexia Georgia employees, we purchased clothes, medicine, hygiene products and other necessary items and donated them to the shelter. The women and children living there need special support, so supporting them through such activities is vital.”

In Georgia, access to quality services for victims of violence and women who have experienced violence, especially services for their economic rehabilitation and empowerment, is one of the current challenges. The proper functioning of shelters and crisis centres is of great importance. Cooperation between various sectors, especially the involvement of business companies, can play a prominent role in this process.

Nato Shavlakadze, Chairwoman of AVNG, further notes: “For women who live in shelters or work at Gemometria, the care and support shown to them is very special. It is very good that business sector has increased its support for this type of social project. This not only creates transferable examples for other companies but also changes public attitudes.”

Nexia Georgia signed on to the WEPs in 2022. Elene Smagliuki says that Nexia Georgia will continue to support shelters for victims of violence, adding: “We plan to encourage our other client companies to participate in activities that serve the empowerment of women in the future.”

Based on the WEPs, UN Women has been working with the private sector in Georgia since 2016. In line with these principles, companies have already implemented a number of projects across the country in various areas, improving the lives of more than 90,000 women. The partnership between UN Women and the private sector is part of the Women’s Economic Empowerment component of the project “Good Governance for Gender Equality in Georgia”, funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad).