On October 24, the first findings of the study “Gender Equality in Georgia: Barriers and Recommendations,” supported by USAID-funded EWMI-PROLoG and the UN Joint Programme for Gender Equality, were presented at a meeting of Parliament’s Gender Equality Council. The study identifies legislative and policy shortcomings in a number of fields: political participation, economic empowerment, violence against women, labor relations, health, education, peace and security, sports and culture, as well as the cross-thematic Gender Equality and Anti-discrimination laws. The study will help the Council identify, prioritize and initiate the reforms needed to fulfill Georgia’s international obligations and received recommendations. Presentation of the final study to a wider audience is planned by the end of the year.

“The study covers almost every aspect of gender equality. Accordingly, this action plan will be baseline for the national strategy and action plans of Gender Equality Council for the coming years.” –Tamar Chugoshvili, the First Deputy Chairperson of Parliament, stated at the meeting.

At the meeting the Council also presented a package of recommendations, put together with PROLoG’s support, aimed at ensuring equality in labor relations. PROLoG plans to further support the process by assisting the Council to draft legislative changes to the Labor Law and Gender Equality Law. This support is in line with PROLoG’s effort to strengthen gender equality and the respective regulatory framework.

EWMI's Promoting Rule of Law in Georgia (PROLOG) program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).