To present the activities of the Parliamentary Committee on Women’s and Children’s Issues and to strengthen cooperation with municipalities, a forum titled “Local Efforts for the Welfare of Women and Children” was held in Tbilisi.

The large-scale event was initiated by Nino Tsilosani, Deputy Chairperson of the Parliament of Georgia, organized by the Parliamentary Committee on Women’s and Children’s Issues, and supported by the National Association of Local Authorities of Georgia.

The forum was attended by representatives of state agencies and local self-governments, as well as international and local experts.
Nino Tsilosani addressed the invited guests, stating that since the establishment of the Parliamentary Committee on Women’s and Children’s Issues and similar councils in municipalities, enhancing coordination is of utmost importance. This includes introducing municipalities to new developments and trends that can help them formulate the best policies for women’s empowerment and child protection.

Mariam Lashkhi, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Women’s and Children’s Issues, highlighted the committee’s priority directions during her speech.

The first session of the forum was moderated by Nino Rukhadze, Executive Director of NALAG.

In her speech, Nino Rukhadze emphasized the significance of the forum, noting that it provides an effective opportunity for multi-level dialogue between central authorities and local self-governments. According to her assessment, such formats facilitate open discussions and collaboration on targeted issues.

During the session, Nino Rukhadze, together with representatives from the Dusheti, Zugdidi, and Zestafoni municipalities, discussed successful practices already being implemented locally to support women and children.

Manana Narimanidze, Mayor of Dusheti Municipality and Vice-President of NALAG, spoke about the development of early intervention and inclusive education services for children with special needs. Gogi Revia, Head of the Social Protection Service of Zugdidi Municipality, presented municipal programs for women’s support and child protection. Natia Sharikadze from Zestafoni Municipality focused on initiatives aimed at women’s economic empowerment.

During the forum, a training session was held on integrating women’s and children’s issues into the municipal budgeting process.
Additionally, a training session supported by UNICEF was organized on children’s rights in Georgia, where existing challenges and solutions were discussed.

The event concluded with group work, during which participants developed preliminary documents for needs-based programs.

The forum was also attended by and addressed by Zurab Iashvili, Deputy Minister of Regional Development, Levan Ioseliani, the Public Defender, and Sopho Kiladze, Chairperson of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

As noted during the event, meetings involving municipalities will continue in the future.

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