On March 7, 2024, in Zugdidi, a panel of experts discussed the challenges to safeguarding women's rights in the Samegrelo region in front of an audience of 50 representatives of the local municipality, civil society, and academia.

The Legal Aid Service (LAS) organized the event in collaboration with Zugdidi Shota Meskhia State Teaching University and with the support of the USAID Rule of Law Program.

The discussion commenced with welcoming remarks from Irina Lortkipanidze, USAID Rule of Law Program Regional Rule of Law Advisor, Maia Nozadze, Head of LAS’s Analytical and International Department, and Nino Makatsaria, Dean of the Social Science and Health Faculty, Shota Meskhia Zugdidi State Teaching University.

Distinguished speakers from Zugdidi Municipality City Hall, including Gogi Revia, Head of the Social Protection and Gender Equality Department, and Nino Gvagvalia, Coordinator of the Women's Room (this exist in nearly all municipalities in Georgia, serving as spaces where women can access information and engage more actively in municipal activities), provided insights into various ongoing programs implemented by the local municipality. Ms. Gvagvalia explained that these programs provide social support for victims of violence against women and/or domestic violence, assistance with apartment rent, financial support for families facing social challenges, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills of domestic violence victims and integrating them into civil society.  Mr. Revia presented an annual report on the gender equality situation in the region, highlighting how significant it is for donor organizations to continue their support on gender-related issues. Despite the positive increase in the local municipality's budget for gender equality programs, Mr. Revia emphasized the need for further efforts to empower women economically in the region.

Nika Gogia, a local representative of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, emphasized the infrastructural challenges in the region, particularly the lack of separate spaces for women victims and minor victims/witnesses to be interviewed by the authorities during the investigative stage of a case, such as interrogation.

Addressing herself to the students present, Nino Makatsaria, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Health at Shota Meskhia Zugdidi State Teaching University, emphasized the significance of women's economic empowerment. She pointed out that the degree programs and professional courses available for women in the region, are offered free of charge.

All of the speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration among government bodies, civil society, donors, and the wider community to create a gender-sensitive environment and ensure equal opportunities for all. The event took place as part of Women's History Month 2024.