A Path to Prosperity

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Georgia's economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment in rural areas, and food security. In recent years, the sector has accounted for around 8.3% of the country's GDP and employed nearly 20% of the workforce, providing crucial support to rural communities where over 40% of the population resides. Despite its importance, women's participation in agriculture and business ownership lags behind regional averages, with only about 28.7% of small businesses owned by women. The wine industry has a comparatively limited representation of women business owners.

In the predominantly male-dominated winemaking industry, women like Baia Abuladze are breaking barriers. Baia founded Baia's Wine in 2015 in Meore Obcha, Baghdati Municipality, transforming her family's passion for viticulture into a thriving business. Support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) equipped her with vital skills for navigating the competitive winemaking landscape. She received grant support that enabled her to acquire advanced packaging and labeling equipment through an EU-funded initiative aimed at enhancing private sector competitiveness in Georgia. This program, implemented by UNDP, FAO, IOM, and UNIDO, has benefited over 1,500 entrepreneurs and agricultural producers by improving their business skills and expanding their market reach.

Today, Baia exports her wines to more than 17 countries, including the United States, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and China. Her success inspires other women to pursue careers in winemaking.

 "I now feel empowered to help other women realize their potential," she states, sharing her experiences with aspiring female winemakers. 

Her sister Gvantsa joined her in 2016 with her own brand, "Gvantsa’s Wines." Both brands became a part of Georgia's Packaging Cluster (PMAG), a network supported by the EU and UNDP. 

Challenging long-standing gender stereotypes within the industry, Baia is not going to stop on the achieved results. Her wish is to expand sale markets and champion bio-winemaking, showcasing the unique flavors and varieties of Georgian wines.

While women in agriculture continue to face challenges such as limited resources and technology, they demonstrate remarkable resilience. In 2024, over 10,000 women expressed interest in agricultural activities nationwide through the Rural Development Agency, highlighting the potential for growth in this sector. 

The UN agencies are actively working to empower women entrepreneurs by providing access to green solutions and business tools. The path forward may be lengthy, but it holds great promise, as women are increasingly instrumental in defining the future of agriculture and winemaking in Georgia.