A TV plot reflecting the activity of the advocacy group of Tskhaltubo Club of Women-Voters was aired on TV "Rioni” on March 29. The group lobbied the issue of the provision of financial assistance from the budget of the City Council (Sakrebulo) to the honored teachers IDPs. Representatives of the City Council expressed their readiness to cooperate actively with the group, "with their help we were able to show proper respect to people who have served the community all their life."
"For us it is not only financial assistance, but great moral support, evaluation of our work - this is the opinion of the honored teachers, who are eager to tell about their interesting life".
- The plot has already been assessed - regional Clubs of Women-Voters expressed their desire to familiarize with the experience of the Tskhaltubo advocacy group.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization NED – National Endowment for Democracy, USA.
"I am very glad that you have raised this problem. It seems as if all that we hear and see is happening in our families. It is a pity that we do not respect older people and this is very alien to our traditions!"
"Seeing the scene, I had the desire to encourage my peers to caress their grandparents, because they will not always be with us?!"
"I want to thank you for this programme. You discuss very topical issues. Our society needs to think about all this! "
"Unfortunately, parents try to earn a living and pay no attention to child's psyche. They don’t try to find the reasons why their children are aggressive and angry".
"The scenes touched me, meddling of other people in husband’s and wife’s affairs leads to no good ..."
In the programme on air of "Rioni" the youth Forum-theater played a scene that has long been pushing the various groups of society in the debate because, as they said during the programme, "it is easier to distinguish good from bad through emotions". You can see statistics in your computer, but the human drama, so masterfully played out by young actors, evoke in us healthy protest against violence".
As it turned out, there was not enough time for the expression of human emotions. People calling to the studio expressed their opinions and asked to give them the opportunity to see the forum-theatre plays once again, involve more young people in public debate in order to contribute to violence prevention, establishing of warm human relationships.
The project is implemented with the support of the SOROS Foundation
The TV programme of Fund "Sukhumi”, transmitted on air of "Rioni” on February 24, was about obvious cases of civil advocacy.
Members of advocacy groups of the Clubs of Women-Voters of Kutaisi and Tskhaltubo told about their work on solution of specific problems such as unregulated schedule of water supply in several districts, removal of benefits for the payment of water supply to upper floors, and also about a very delicate problem of incorrect attitude of some citizens to water resource that results in non-purposeful utilization of this resource.
The situation in water supply of Kutaisi, gaps and measures to be made to fill the gaps – these issues were discussed by the advocacy groups’ members together with managers of relevant services, representatives of NGOs and local government.
TV journalists had the opportunity to ask questions which they were interested in. There were revealed many problematic issues which, according to the guests, would be solved by stages and the maximum result of this process would be achieved only through close cooperation of civil society organizations and the relevant agencies, local governments, and through information sharing.
Members of the advocacy groups initiated plans for further activity. The television has already started to work on several social TV advertisings.
Certain groups of citizens have already responded to the appeal for active cooperation with the relevant structures to improve the situation in their districts.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization NED – National Endowment for Democracy, USA.
A TV programme dedicated to the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign by Fund "Sukhumi” was aired in live of TV "Rioni” on November 24.
According to the representatives of Fund "Sukhumi" an international 16 days campaign against gender violence is held annually from November 25 to December 10, and is covered by media. Therefore social advertisements of Fund "Sukhumi” are screened by regional and central TV channels throughout the campaign.
The programme participants were Fund’s activists, famous people, journalists, psychologists, and forum-theatre actors. An interesting discussion showed once again the severity and topicality of the problem of violence, the need to join society, various government structures and social institutions to address the problem.
"Domestic violenceleaves a big imprint on the human psyche rather than wars, social upheavals, because it regards to human relations. Therefore, we believe that the work of Fund "Sukhumi" in this area is so important and valuable, therefore society supports it so actively"- said the programme participants.
The audience had possibility to receive information about measures planned by Fund "Sukhumi” in Western Georgia. The journalists in the studio were given calendars, posters and blue scarves which they will wear during the campaign to show the solidarity.
"We are grateful to everyone who called today to the TV studio and expressed their position. This is direct evidence that society has expressed confidence in the League of Women-Voters and their participation in political processes", - said participants of the telecast, held in the studio "Rioni", where activists of the Club of Women-Voters, the project participants talked about the achieved results, difficulties and the situation on supporting of women's political participation.
The conversation was also about future plans, activities within the new project, which focuses on enhancing the electorate and mobilization around women candidates in future elections in order to change the gender balance in politics.
Some of the spectators calling to the studio were speaking about the necessity of advocating painful issues for society. The advocacy group and the TV company responded to this order of society – there were made TV reporting for the programe "Seven days”, which is a prerequisite for future problems.
Intensive telephone calls to the studio during the telecast, organized by Fund "Sukhumi" and aired on TV "Rioni", confirmed that there were discussed the vital issues.
Again the telecast highlighted the role of local government in tackling domestic violence and became a kind of continuation of the initiated public debate and quite constructive cooperation with representatives of local government as well as activities planned for future prospects.
What is meant by a national referral mechanism to combat violence, what is the law like regarding the issue of protection of victims and rehabilitation of perpetrators and practices existing in parallel with the law, whether the local government sees its role in solving this problem - a conversation on this topic took place together with intense interactive inclusion of TV viewers.
In the TV plot, prepared by the TV journalists of Fund "Sukhumi" representatives of local government talk about the positive experience of cooperation with Fund and the necessity of addressing the issue of domestic violence and including self-governing units in violence prevention, about the mandatory inclusion of certain funds in local budget.
"The main points of the Action Plan for 2011-2012 adopted by the government imply improvement of national referral mechanisms, and dissemination of information about those mechanisms. We can say that fund "Sukhumi" works much in both directions, and the support of a local government is obvious,"- was said at the telecast.
The theme of the talk-show of Fund "Sukhumi” was about attitude of Media towards active women.
What is the gender vector of media in Georgia – in terms of press, radio, television, social networks; do active women, especially those in politics, perceive media as an ally, are the women's issues on media agenda, and what is the editorial policy in this regard?
At the telecast representatives of central and regional mass media, women occupied in different spheres expressed their attitude towards the topics initiated by Fund "Sukhumi". There was made an analysis of the gender politics of media and discussed the most popular themes in relation to women and the issue of constructiveness of media.
An interesting discussion took place in connection with the coverage of women's issues by Georgian media. They said that it is desirable that the Georgian TV space devoted more time and place to women's issues.
A journalist Eka Pkhakadze talked about the film "Difficult choice – woman in politics”, prepared by the order of Fund "Sukhumi”. She talked about the two personages of the film who are the best examples of clever and successful women. She said that popularization of such professionals might help motivate young women-leaders.
The head of the information sector of Fund "Sukhumi” mentioned that there is no active and highly respected woman left in Western Georgia who was not included in the information space of fund at different times. It was not only their popularization, raising public awareness on their activities, but also the motivation of other women for active civic and political activities.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization EED Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst.
""Despite the fact that preparations for the parliamentary elections have not yet moved to the active phase, fund" Sukhumi" tries to create preconditions through cooperation with the society, political parties, women engaged in active politics and contribute to increase of the number of women in the main representation body.
In the studio of the TV company "Rioni" gathered representatives of non-governmental sector, society, local government, and women - members of the City council.
The TV plot, prepared by Fund "Sukhumi", tells about examples of fruitful co-operation of women - members of regional Clubs of Women-Voters and local self governments.
Women - representatives of local self-government, invited to the NATO headquarters in Brussels on the recommendation of fund "Sukhumi" told about very interesting meetings.
Women - members of the monitoring group told about the work on the monitoring of social programs of the local self government. According to them, in terms of exchange of international experience exchange meetings in Azerbaijan and Armenia were very useful for them.
What is the role of women in local self government, how they cope with protection of the interests of their fellow citizens, what issues have priority for them and what are their initiatives? - about these issues were talking women - deputies.
"We see that our citizens, especially women, have many problems and they often impose great hope on us. This is a big responsibility and we try to justify their trust, - such was their position.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization NED – National Endowment for Democracy, USA.
The telecast, organized by Fund "Sukhumi" was dedicated to the International Children's Day. Participants of the telecast were IDP children, teachers, law enforcement officials, poets and actors.
In the course of the telecast there were given answers to the questions: what is the environment in which our children live, whether they have the optimum conditions for healthy and full-fledged development in family, school and society.
Participants mentioned that children have the right to grow up in a nonviolent environment. Everyone should take care of their health, spiritual and mental development, and especially the State.
Adolescents from IDP families were especially active during the TV discussion. They talked about their dreams, fixed their vision of what is happening around them, and wished all their peers peaceful and happy future.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization EED Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst.
The TV plot of Fund "Sukhumi" aired on live of the TV broadcasting company "Rioni" commented on the Lobbying Institute and its practical use. Interesting parallels in terms of international experience, the reasons for the low popularity of this institution, the methodology, phases of the campaign of lobbying and efficiency - TV viewers had the opportunity to listen to the information from professionals, familiar with the first attempts of international organizations in terms of advocacy and lobbying.
"I have a great desire that my fellow citizens see in my face "their man" in local government who would support them in solution of all the painful issues" - such a position was expressed by one of the members of the local government.
"Unfortunately, many non-governmental organizations are choosing this direction only to attract donors. We welcome the great efforts of fund "Sukhumi", which carries out work in this direction at all levels. Their opinion that "they yet have no visible results" is unimportant. The main thing is that there is a precedent, a good example for others, especially women's groups that should advocate and then lobby for their own and other people's problems" - was stressed at the telecast.
A regular telecast from the cycle "Woman and politics” was aired by the TV broadcasting company "Rioni”.
The plot shown prior to the telecast was about activity of the Clubs of Women-Voters on advocacy of women’s problems. Definition of problems, meetings with members of local self-government, acquaintance with social packages and cooperation in solution of crucial issues, formation of advocacy group and definition of Action Strategy. Study visits make the activity in this direction even more effective.
Guests invited to the telecast – members of Clubs of Women-Voters in Tskhaltubo and Kutaisi, project assistants, representatives of non-governmental sector with the work experience in the similar activity told about advocacy of civic interests, who can conduct advocacy campaigns, how Clubs select problems, how they are going to work on advocacy and lobbying.
The conversation touched upon problems identified in Kutaisi and Tskhaltubo: municipal transport benefits for certain categories of people, the issue of night-time transport operation, ramps for unimpeded movement of people with disabilities and prams, lack of toilets in the city center.
Particular concern was expressed over the fact that, there is a problem with drinking water in the centre of the city and objects with the sweet water of uncertain composition, which are not complied with basic health standards, do not solve it.
"Our goal is not to find problems for the confrontation. We want to cooperate with all to resolve these and other vital issues".
"We will try to frequently remind of these issues to those who are responsible for their solution".
Fund "Sukhumi” representatives talked briefly about the course of advocacy campaign in other clubs and which issues had been resolved as a result of these campaigns.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization NED – National Endowment for Democracy, USA.
How should the theme of domestic violence be highlighted in media? What does
the concept of social journalism means? What responsibility lies on journalist
with regard to this issue?
Journalists of Fund, representatives of mass media in Imereti, journalists
of regional offices of the central TV and radio broadcasting companies gathered
at the telecast initiated by Fund "Sukhumi".
"... This topic should be covered very carefully. We - journalists
often highlight only facts. We do not have time to look for reasons, it is more
subject of an analytical program, but it does not mean that this issue should
be ignored by us and that we should avoid it because it is an "inconvenient"
theme.
"The more we'll talk about this theme with our children, in
newspapers, on radio and television, the less chance violators will have to
stay unpunished."
"The main thing is that with our help society will realize what the
causes of violence are. The main thing is that young people make analysis of
what is good and bad".
"It should not be a scandalous theme, although, unfortunately, we have
to admit that there is such an order. But in our view protection of victims of
violence is the greatest good".
Such was the journalists’ position.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization EED Evangelischer
Entwicklungsdienst.
A regular telecast was aired on TV "Rioni” on April 13. Guests of the telecast were young ladies – graduates of the School of Young Women Leaders, successful young women and assistants of the project.
How did the idea of creating the School of Leaders appeared, what did the training course included, what were the expectations of the organizers and participants, were the hopes for the school justified and what is the organization planning in the future, how the girls intend to use the skills acquired? Answers to these questions were received during the telecast. Meanwhile, the audience had the opportunity to watch a TV plot about the School of Leaders prepared by fund "Sukhumi”.
Assistants of the Fund talked about the selection of the school participant, the principles on which the school operates.
According to the girls, an interactive teaching method, when the theory is alternated with the practice, has helped them in obtaining appropriate skills. "The Fund has actively involved us in its activities, given the opportunity to work on projects, be actively engaged in the activities planned within the framework of the public campaign".
"The Fund has expressed to me great confidence. Now I am involved in a very important project".
"My friend went to this school. I was looking at her with a good envy. I have already participated in the selection training and I hope to become the school student".
"I am delighted with the girls and I am glad that fund "Sukhumi" gives them that opportunity. I am sure that if there are many such young girls the current gender situation will be changed", - this was a comment of a young representative from the local government. She also spoke about her experiences and the way to success.
A telecast with participation of the project participants and guests, invited by Fund "Sukhumi” was aired on TV "Rioni” on February 24.
The topic of the telecast was "Legal and social mechanisms of domestic violence". The guests of the telecast discussed the topic and answered questions of viewers who called in the studio.
During the telecast there an interactive poll was conducted to reveal the position of the population - whether they consider it necessary to adapt the monetary penalties on violators. According to the votes received 88 percent supported this position, while 12 percent were against.
"Until the television is so uncontrolled and there is an obvious propaganda of violence, the society will be powerless against it" - this remark of a viewer expresses the mood of quite a large part of society, which is outraged by the growing aggression in the society.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization EED Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst.
A regular telecast was transmitted on air of TV broadcasting company "Rioni” on February 11th. Participants of the telecast were co-chairperson of fund "Sukhumi", project assistants, activists of the Clubs of Women-Voters and representatives of the monitoring group, which carries out monitoring of the social programs of local self governments of Kutaisi, Tskhaltubo and Khoni.
The telecast started with the TV plot, prepared by Fund "Sukhumi". Then audience was provided with information about the projects funded by the National Endowment for Democracy, strategies of activity of the Clubs of Women-Voters, issues of cooperation with political parties, and about the stage the issue of advocacy and lobbying for legislative initiative of fund "Sukhumi" (government assistance to all women giving birth in the amount of 600 GEL).
During the telecast there was sounded information about international experience in lobbying of women’s issues.
It was noted that the systematic exchange of information between clubs of Women-Voters and local governments will make their cooperation more productive. Good examples of this can be seen in Ozurgeti and Khobi, where local self government encourages initiatives of the Club members.
An interesting work is carried out within the project supported by the U. Embassy in Georgia, which enables active women IDPs to carry out gender analysis of policies and programs of local government. "We should not hide the fact that IDPs often fall out of the general social context. That's why this project is particularly interesting for us. Firstly, we have regained a sense of our social value "- these words belong to the project participants.
At the end of the telecast once again there was announced policy of Fund "Sukhumi" - cooperation with all political actors to support women’s positions in political parties.
A telecast organized by Fund "Sukhumi" was transmitted on the air of the TV company "Rioni".
Prior to the beginning of the telecast there was showed a TV plot highlighting the work done by Fund "Sukhumi" within the framework of a worldwide campaign against Gender Violence from November 25 to December 10 around Western Georgia.
In the studio gathered lawyers-experts of Fund "Sukhumi", members of the journalistic discussion club, Forum-theatre actors, students of the School of Young Women-Leaders, representatives of three generations of society.
What is the extent of violence, where should reasons be found, what should be opposed to it, and how to change attitude of society to violence.
The position of youth was interesting. They think that violence has a social content. This is not a private case and is not limited by family, but instead begins to spread in society. This confirms the unfortunate incident that occurred in the region and ended in tragedy.
The conversation touched on the law. They said that the law should protect victims. There were phone calls in the studio and which fixed public interest in the issues.
The finalу stage of the first day of the campaign was a telecast transmitted on the air of the TV company "Rioni".
A non-traditional format of the telecast - involvement of the youth forum-theater to stimulate public debate on live – caused great interest of spectators.
Topics - violence against women, elderly people, the high level of aggression among youth, alienation, the issue of values - were very interesting for the audience:
"Such telecasts are very relevant!”
"Thank you for discussing of such issues”.
"These scenes reminded me my whole life”.
"We should know more to be more healthy society”.
-These words were heard during the phone calls of spectators. Fund "Sukhumi" will continue public discussions on these issues.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization EED Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst.
