Meeting on the economic rehabilitation of victims of violence held on the International Women’s Day.

At the initiative of UN Women, the French Embassy in Georgia and business associations, the representatives of Anti-Violence Network of Georgia and the private sector held a meeting attended by the members of Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) signatory business organizations, the business federation Women for Tomorrow, the European Business Association and Chamber of Commerce and Industry France - Georgia (CCIFG).

The French Ambassador to Georgia, Sheraz Ghasri, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, Sabine Machl, and the UN Women Country Representative in Georgia, Kaori Ishikawa opened the meeting. During the next part of the event, the participants discussed the importance of involvement of business organizations in the process of social and economic rehabilitation of the victims/survivors of violence.

During the event, the participants discussed the current situation regarding the gender-based violence and victim support services in the country, the private sector representatives also shared successful initiatives implemented in their companies supporting social and economic capacities of the survivors of violence.

It was highlighted at the event that an effective fight against gender-based violence requires the engagement of various sectors, including the government, non-governmental or donor organizations and businesses. It is the unified approach of this kind that leads to large-scale changes in social norms and behavior, and the private sector can play the role of utmost significance in this process, inter alia, by raising awareness and changing the stereotypical approaches, mobilizing resources, etc.

‘The UN will continue to promote greater gender equality, gender responsiveness and non-discrimination. The road to healing for survivors of violence requires not only justice, but also a path back to social and economic stability. The private sector can help with providing employment opportunities, skills training, and a supportive workplace’ noted UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, Sabine Machl

‘Investing in women and girls benefits the whole society. That's why French President Macron has made women's rights a priority of our national policy and our diplomacy. In Georgia we have partnered with UNWOMEN and civil society organisations to protect victims of violence. With TBC Bank, we facilitate women entrepreneurs access to financing. Business has an enormous transformative power, to fight discriminations, end prejudices, advance equality. We are looking forward to working with every company and everyone in Georgia to advance the global cause of gender equality #FeministDiplomacy’ said Sheraz Ghasri, The French Ambassador to Georgia.

The meeting was dedicated to the celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th. It is noteworthy that this year the key message of the International Women's Day “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” highlights the importance of investing in women's potential and capacities, and calls upon everyone to join their efforts for achieving gender equality, building democratic communities and fair economies.

The meeting was held within the framework of the UN Women’s project Strengthening Specialized Services for the Victims of Gender-Based Violence, generously funded by the French Ambassy.