To promote the effective implementation of the principles of the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life, a two-day training session was organized by the National Association of Local Authorities of Georgia (NALAG) for municipalities that recently joined the Charter.

The meeting was held within the framework of the project “Women’s Increased Leadership for Democracy in Georgia” and involved mayors, council chairpersons, and officials responsible for the equality of women and men from the municipalities of Dusheti, Dedoplistskaro, Dmanisi, Khashuri, and Tetritskaro.

The event was opened by NALAG Vice-President and Mayor of Dusheti Municipality, Manana (Matsatso) Narimanidze, and NALAG Executive Director, Nino Rukhadze.

Manana (Matsatso) Narimanidze described the training as a platform for dialogue, where shared visions and solutions on the equality of women and men issues at the local level are shaped. She noted that such formats not only strengthen cooperation among local governments but also promote the growth of inclusive budgeting practices and the expansion of initiatives and programs based on equality principles.

In her speech, Nino Rukhadze emphasized the importance of Georgian municipalities’ engagement with the Charter. She highlighted the significance of all municipalities being represented on the “Electronic Map of the Charter for Equality of Women and Men,” created by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), which showcases Charter signatories across Europe. The NALAG leader also expressed hope that other municipalities would show interest and commit to the Charter’s principles, which are already being implemented in practice.

The training was led by expert Mako Avaliani, who introduced participants to the Charter’s objectives, its seven implementation stages, and thematic areas. Particular attention was given to women’s participation in decision-making processes, reducing stereotypes, education, economic empowerment, employment support, access to care services, prevention of gender-based violence, support mechanisms, equal access to public services, gender-sensitive budgeting, and data accessibility.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the need to address the requirements of vulnerable groups and practical approaches to integrating equality principles into local policies for climate change and crisis response.

The training was conducted through active group work, with participants assessing their municipalities’ needs and discussing specific steps to successfully implement the Charter’s principles. Special emphasis was placed on evaluation and monitoring mechanisms.

The event, held on June 24-25 in Gurjaani Municipality, was also attended by NALAG representatives, including Deputy Executive Director Lasha Archvadze, Lead Consultant for the “Women’s Increased Leadership for Democracy in Georgia” project Tamar Frangishvili, and project coordinators Giorgi Isakadze and Maia Abashidze.

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