Women driving progress: UN Women hosts dialogue on women’s leadership
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How women in Georgia have been fighting for progress and a better future, their story of continuous leadership and the role they play in shaping public life—these were the topics highlighted at the event “Women Driving Progress” organized by UN Women. The meeting also aimed to foster intergenerational dialogue on women’s participation in decision-making processes.
Opening remarks were delivered by Anna Lyberg, Ambassador of Sweden to Georgia; Anders Trelborg, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Denmark in Georgia; Barbara Böni, Regional Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office for the South Caucasus; and Kaori Ishikawa, UN Women Country Representative in Georgia.
The main part of the event was dedicated to the presentation of the publication ‘Voice of Change: Women Driving Progress in Georgia’. The publication was prepared in collaboration with the Korneli Kekelidze Georgian National Centre of Manuscripts, authored by the Centre’s researcher Esma Mania and edited by writer Tamta Melashvili. It brings together historical accounts of prominent women active at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Ekaterine Gabashvili, Anastasia Tumanishvili-Tsereteli, Mariam Jambakur-Orbeliani, Kristine Sharashidze, Nino Kipiani and Barbare Kipiani. Despite numerous barriers, each of these women made a significant contribution to advancing women’s education, strengthening political participation and promoting social emancipation. Their lives and struggles not only strengthened the feminist movement but also advanced equality and justice and contributed to building a better future, continuing to inspire future generations.
Speakers highlighted historic memory as a source of resilience amid rising domestic and global backlash and persistent misinformation about feminism and women’s rights. Where gender equality is often framed as an “imposed” concept, sharing women’s contributions to Georgia’s development can help correct false narratives, address backlash and reinforce equality as a locally rooted value. “Researching feminist history provides us with the knowledge and experience that help us resist and drive change, even in times of global backlash,” said Tamta Melashvili, a writer and the editor of the publication, during the presentation. “It empowers us to believe that progress is always possible, as long as knowledge is preserved. Therefore, we must continue to produce knowledge, which also means that the fight for women’s rights and equality will go on.”
During the event, one of the discussion panels was dedicated to women’s participation in decision-making processes and public life, as well as key findings from the study ‘Violence against Women Candidates in Georgia’s 2024 Parliamentary Elections’. The study found that 75 per cent of women candidates experienced violence during their campaigns. Despite this, women remain committed to political engagement: 85 per cent of those who experienced violence intend to run again.
The event concluded with a panel of young activists who discussed the future of Georgia and the importance of young women’s leadership. “In 1919, at a time when women in many countries did not even have the right to vote, Georgia had five women MPs,” said Elene Gureshidze, a young peace activist and one of the panelists. “Learning about this and the stories of the women who helped shape today’s Georgia motivated me to carry forward their legacy, share it with my generation and work with like-minded peers to achieve progressive change. Although women continue to face entrenched obstacles - including the normalization of gender‑based discrimination and online attacks - these challenges should strengthen our resolve to work harder, not deter it.”
The event was dedicated to International Women’s Day. It was held within the framework of the UN Women project “Women’s Increased Leadership for Democracy in Georgia”, generously supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.