EUMM’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign in full swing

EUMM launched the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence (GBV) campaign on Monday, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Throughout the week, our Mission has participated in a number of activities in the communities where we do most of our work – those along the Administrative Boundary Lines (ABL) with South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

In cooperation with non-governmental organisation (NGO) ‘Civil Activism and Equality Centre’, EUMM Field Office Zugdidi organised an innovative forum theatre performance in Ganmukhuri, focused on GBV and gender inequality. EUMM conducted various outreach activities in schools, including in Koki, Anaklia, Odzdi and Pakhulani. The interactive school presentations sparked conversation among adolescents on topics like gender-based bullying and harmful stereotypes.

Engaging with civil society is a crucial aspect of EUMM’s work. Chaired by Iulia Kharashvili from IDP women’s NGO “Consent”, Field Office Gori and Mission HQ organised a roundtable focused on challenges to women’s personal safety and economic security in the Shida Kartli region, with a focus on gender-based violence.

This week EUMM has been actively distributing newly developed information flyers with information about crucial services near the ABLs for GBV survivors. As part of the global #OrangetheWorld campaign, the Mission has shared hundreds of orange ribbons, to be worn as a personal pledge to support the fight against GBV.

EUMM will continue to support the global 16 Days of Activism campaign until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

EUMM staff at Mission Headquarters on campaign launch day 25 November

Field Office Mtskheta staff show their support for 16 Days of Activism

Field Office Zugdidi joins the #OrangetheWorld campaign – all-staff photo from campaign launch day

Throughout the week, EUMM staff have been writing messages of support and commitment to the fight against GBV on interactive posters on display at HQ and Field Offices

Throughout the week, EUMM staff have been writing messages of support and commitment to the fight against GBV on interactive posters on display at HQ and Field Offices

Mission Headquarters hosted an #OrangeTheWorld breakfast for staff as part of the campaign launch on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November

Field Office Zugdidi organised an innovative forum theatre performance in Ganmukhuri school

EUMM organised a roundtable focused on GBV issues and human security in the Shida Kartli region

Field Office Zugdidi staff delivered an interactive presentation on GBV, harmful gender stereotypes and gender-based bullying in Koki school

Field Office Mtskheta conducted outreach in Odzisi school as part of the 16 Days of Activism against GBV campaign

Roundtable on GBV organised in Gori brought together women’s rights activists, civil society and conflict-affected women to discuss issues related to human security and GBV in the Shida Kartli region. From left (back): Maja Serkowska, EUMM Field Office Gori Monitor/Gender Focal Point; Ana Imnadze, Gori University; Keti Bebiashvili, Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA); Eka Sukhishvili, former Deputy Gori Mayor; Mihaela Gherasim, Head of EUMM Field Office Gori; Thea Tsitelashvili, EUMM Gender Focal Point, Natalia Ejoshvili, Police Officer; Rusudan Japaridze; Sini Ramo, EUMM Gender Adviser, (front) Nunu Kapanadze from Bershueti; Iulia Kharashvili, NGO Consent, Lamara Shakulashvili, Head of Gori Shelter

Head of Mission Erik Hoeg addressed staff at Mission Headquarters as part of the launch of 16 Days of Activism against GBV