Cultural-Humanitarian Fund "Sukhumi”

   

 

A round table on the topic “Increasing women’s role in decision making process” was hold by the initiative of Fund “Sukhumi”. 
At the meeting were invited leaders of Clubs of Women-Voters of Kutaisi, Batumi, Zugdidi and Ozurgeti, active women, journalists. Arrival of women-members of the City Councils of Western Georgia made meeting more interesting and significant.  
Before starting the meeting guests had possibility to acquaint with photos and video rolls of Fund “Sukhumi” in the large hall of the centre “Tiripebi”. 
In every speech was emphasized the subject of discussion of the Round table – how far women are able to influence on the decision making process in the City Council; in which spheres women have a decisive word; why can not they be fully involved in politics and what measures should be carried out in the government for changing gender disbalance. 
Everything we heard at the meeting was like a certain report of women- members of the City Council. As the women told they feel lshortage of women and say “if we were more we would have achieved much more”. 
There was mentioned that small budget of the City Council does not give possibility to create full-fledged social packs. 
The discussion on the issue of quoting showed once again that both supporters and opponents of quotas have enough arguments but we should not forget that supporters of quoting understand well that it creates certain danger, but in the existing situation it is perceived as the only way out in the form of a temporary measure. And in parallel should be created mechanisms which would provide availability of women’s political education and also unity of quantity and quality. 
At the end of the meeting Alla Gamakharia once again thanked the guests who despite their busy schedules found time and possibility to participate in the discussion of crucial issues. She mentioned – “Women of the City Council should feel that there are tens of women behind them who observe their activity with hope and belief. There are many organizations including Fund “Sukhumi” which try to make visible their benefits and also to recollect them of their obligations before voters.