On March 15, 2024, the USAID Rule of Law Program (Program), in cooperation with the Samtskhe-Javakheti State University Law Faculty, organized a career talk featuring Supreme Court Judge Ekaterine Gasitashvili.

The event drew over 70 students from the law faculty and public administration departments of Samtskhe - Javakheti State University.

Judge Gasitashvili delivered a speech on the role of women in the legal profession. Specifically, she shared insights from her own professional journey, which saw her transition from a decade of legal practice in civil law to her current role as a judge. She discussed the challenges faced by female professionals in law, navigating through personal, professional, and social hurdles from the early stages of legal education to achieving a judgeship on the Supreme Court.

Judge Gasitashvili emphasized the critical role an independent, impartial, and effective judiciary plays in a democracy. She elaborated on the judiciary's responsibility to ensure legal certainty, resolve disputes, and safeguard the rights and liberties of all citizens, particularly vulnerable groups and individuals who may struggle to protect themselves. Judge Gasitashvili spoke of the fundamental values that guide judges' decisions, including independence, impartiality, integrity, equality, competence, and diligence. She stressed that without these guiding principles, effective justice delivery and the observance of the rule of law would be compromised.

During the discussion session, students posed questions to Judge Gasitashvili. They inquired about her professional regrets, motivations for pursuing a legal career and subsequently becoming a judge, and the possibility of appealing her decisions. She provided candid and insightful responses to these inquiries.

The Program through its Akhaltsikhe Rule of Law Hub plans to organize similar career talks and public lectures for students in the region.