Retreat is a working meeting, a psychological and physical recharge, a vacation that will be pleasantly remembered by everyone.
The Fund “Sukhumi” staff spent three days with their families at “Borjomi Palace” Hotel (mostly there were children: kind, beautiful, and talented).
There were excursions to the Rabati Fortress, the Cathedral of St. Seraphim of Sarov, the Cathedral of St. George in the village of Sadgeri, and walks through Borjomi Park and the streets.
While working with psychologist Inna Ayrapetyan, the participants sought answers to the following questions: What is our current state? What factors negatively impact us? What can we influence? What can we change? Where can we find new strength and resources?
Of course, we "discovered" many internal resources, created and deciphered their "internal" and "external" masks, mastered new "self-defense" techniques, better understood each other, thought, cried, and laughed...
At the end, the children surprised us: they showed a scene from the forum-theater, danced, and recited poetry...
We realized: the resources are within us, in our families, and also in the beneficiaries, in those whom this organization helps, whom it tries to support for almost 30 years...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Part of the women's mutual assistance group meetings were held online. Members of Tsalenjikha group spoke online about the importance of their work and noted the support provided by the Fund “Sukhumi” to women. One part of the meeting was devoted to training – trainer Kristine Kutateladze presented a presentation on artificial intellect and answered questions.
In Senaki, attention focused on women's solidarity, the problem of violence, and, in particular, digital violence. Participants were provided with our publication, "Violence in Partner Relationships Using Technology – Recognize and Protect Yourself."
The ordinary meeting of Kobuleti group and other groups was also interesting. Participants discussed women's rights, municipal services, changes, and innovations. A psychologist was also involved, conducting group and individual consultations.
The women enjoy the meetings, where they discuss problems and solutions. The group work provided each of them with new knowledge and experience. They hope that by working together they can achieve more.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
A final conference on "Women's Empowerment and Sustainable Mechanisms for Community Support: Experience, Results, and Impact" was held at “Gelati Residence” Hotel.
The meeting united 50 women from various municipalities: leaders and members of mutual assistance groups, paraprofessionals, participants of civic initiatives, and representatives of the Fund “Sukhumi”.
The women shared their experiences, achieved changes, and challenges during four thematic panels:
- Women's mutual assistance groups as a safe space for women's empowerment and digital skills development
- Civic initiatives implemented by the women that have led to real change in municipalities
- Paraprofessional support and its impact on women's lives
- Digital platforms and social networks to provide information on support services for women who have experienced violence, aiming at raising awareness and increasing access to services
The project evaluation showed that community-based support models strengthen social and economic inclusion, raise the importance of digital security and access to information, and build networks of mutual support and solidarity within communities.
At the end of the event, the awards were given to women who actively participated in the project.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
Migration is a serious and highly relevant topic. The relationships between parents who have emigrated abroad and their children who remained at home are particularly emotional.
These issues leave no one indifferent: there are many examples, both from their own families and from their circle of relatives and neighbors.
These cases were discussed at meeting with women and girls in Kopitnari IDP settlement. Moreover, a psychologist from our organization attended the meeting. There were many questions, recollections of various stories, and advice from the psychologist...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Women from 10 municipalities met at Zoom platform to discuss current topics.
In the first part, Natia Akhalaia, representative of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Kutaisi office, spoke about legal and illegal migration, statistics, individual services regarding return to Georgia, support for returning migrants, and grant projects.
In the second part, Linda Chikhladze, digital security trainer, introduced participants to important aspects of digital security, common threats, best practices, and protection tools.
Participants asked questions on both topics and received competent answers.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Women's mutual assistance groups of all ten municipalities started the new year with a renewed motivation. During their first meetings, they mainly discussed municipal services, changes, and innovations.
Group members listen attentively to a psychologist, whose advice and individual consultations are particularly helpful.
Digital literacy is important to them – working with social media, familiarization with the Fund “Sukhumi” website https://sosfsokhumi.ge/ and learning how to find the information they need.
In Khobi, the focus was on youth, and in Tskaltubo - on the importance of digital education. In Senaki, new participants were introduced to the results they had achieved together. The meeting in Chokhatauri was particularly interesting – the group participants are members of the folklore ensemble “Taoba” from Gogolesubani, who brightened up the time spent together with dancing and singing.
Most of the groups have shown growth, which is a sign of effective work and success.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
As part of civic initiatives, informational meetings on migration issues were held in Zugdidi, Tskaltubo, and Tsalenjikha municipalities.
Participants - women and youth were provided with information about the research of our organization and the guide "Know and Protect Yourself!" The guide aims to inform women, community leaders, and active members of society about available services and assistance. They also received a brochure on how to help children when one parent emigrates.
Migration and domestic violence against women were discussed at the meetings.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
A master class for women was organized by graduates of the manicure course at Senaki Community Center. The event was part of a civic initiative that has been running in the Senaki IDP settlement from November to January.
Master class participant: This was my first time practicing this procedure with a specialist. It's a very good initiative. We not only saw what our girls learned, but we also enjoyed the day.
One of the graduates: I received the best opportunity, and as a beginner, I'm very happy that women saw my possibilities.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
What do the meetings give us? What results have we achieved in 2025? How have our lives changed?
A summary of the annual work was presented at meetings held in Tsalenjikha, Khobi, Kobuleti, and other municipalities. Members of the women's mutual assistance group spoke about the impact of the project work, its results, and positive changes.
The website "Digital Resource Center of Services for Women Surviving Violence" (https://sosfsokhumi.ge/) is important to them, providing women with all the necessary information.
The women actively work from meeting to meeting. New members join the groups, and they look forward to the New Year with renewed mood.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
