Events

On 8 June, “Our Room” – Women’s Empowerment, Awareness-Raising, and Collective Care Days will begin at Ilia State University, organised by the Iliauni Women’s Empowerment Alumni Network.

In an environment where discussions on women’s rights are often hindered by disinformation, stereotypes, and social stigma, “Our Room” aims to create a safe, knowledge-based, and supportive space for conversations on feminist knowledge, women’s historical experiences, practices of care, bodily autonomy, recognising violence, and safety issues.

From 8 to 16 June, four thematic meetings will be held:

8 June, 14:00 – Lecture: “The History of the Women’s Movement in the West and in Georgia”

Speaker: Ekaterine Aghdgomelashvili, women’s rights defender, researcher, and trainer

The lecture-discussion will focus on the historical development of the women’s movement. The aim of the meeting is to dispel the myth that feminism and ideas of women’s equality emerged in Georgia only in the 1990s. Participants will discuss Georgian feminist thought of the 19th–20th centuries, the period of the First Republic, Soviet legacy, and post-Soviet challenges.

9 June, 14:00 – Lecture: “The Image and Symbolism of Women in Ancient Mesopotamian Civilisations”

Speaker: Nona Ghurchumelidze, Master’s student in Assyriology at Tbilisi State University

The speaker will discuss how women were perceived in pre-Greek and pre-Christian Mesopotamian cultures. The audience will be introduced to the image and symbolism of Ishtar, as well as to Enheduanna, the first known author in the history of literature, and her work Hymns to Ishtar.

11 June, 12:00 – Open Session: “Understanding and Responding to IPV”

Facilitator: Salome Shiukashvili, psychologist

The open session will focus on the psychosocial aspects of intimate partner violence. The meeting will include dialogue, discussion of real-life cases, and active audience participation.

16 June, 14:00 – Power Hour Workshop on Women’s Empowerment and Safety

Trainers: Natali Goginashvili and Mzeo Kandelaki, organisation “Pusfusi”

Workshop participants will be introduced to the basic principles of self-defence, body language, use of voice, verbal self-defence, clear expression of personal boundaries, and the body’s automatic responses to danger.

Each meeting will last 2 hours.

Students who attend at least three meetings focused on women’s empowerment and feminist care practices will receive certificate.

Registration form: https://forms.gle/18G1XRaApJXEi2vB6

Working language: Georgian

Dates: 8, 9, 11, and 16 June

Location: Ilia State University, Room S800, Centre for Advanced Studies, 1–3 G. Tsereteli Passage

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