From 28 July to 1 August, advancing gender equality and strengthening legal responses to violence against women (VAW) and domestic violence (DV) were the focus of a five-day summer school for law students from across Georgia organised by the Council of Europe, in co-operation with the Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University.
In total, 20 law students participated in the programme, which combined legal theory with practical skills development. Participants engaged in expert-led discussions and workshops on issues primary focusing on the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention), strategic litigation, intersectional discrimination, and technology-facilitated violence against women and girls. Particular attention was given to victim-centred and trauma-informed approaches in legal practice, equipping students with tools to better support and protect victims of VAW and DV throughout legal proceedings. Participants also had the opportunity to engage in interactive sessions on social and behaviour change approaches, exploring why humans, including lawyers, do not always make rational decisions. These sessions further introduced approaches grounded in behavioural science to help students make more just and equitable decisions as future lawyers.
A highlight of the programme was a moot court simulating a case before the European Court of Human Rights, where students had the opportunity to practice gender-sensitive legal reasoning and oral advocacy skills.
“In my future work, I will apply and continuously strive to develop a victim-centred strategy that addresses the psychosocial needs of women victims of violence, while engaging in respectful and appropriate communication during legal proceedings to ensure that only relevant and necessary questions are asked.” – noted one of the summer school participants.
The summer school provided a unique platform for peer exchange and network building with international and local legal experts. Through interactive sessions and informal activities, students developed professional connections and identified opportunities for future collaboration.
Elena Jovanovska-Brezoska, Head of the Gender Equality Co-operation Unit at the Council of Europe, stated: “Empowering young people to stand and act against violence against women and domestic violence, can contribute to building a safer and more accountable society.”
Participants will continue their engagement through follow-up initiatives focused on promoting gender equality within Georgia’s legal sector. In partnership with Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University, the Council of Europe will support students in developing academic articles through mentorship and guidance. Selected articles will be published in a university law journal.
The summer school was organised in the framework of the project “Reinforcing gender equality and implementing GREVIO recommendations to combat violence against women and domestic violence in Georgia”. The project is a part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2024-2027.
