The project provides assistance for the effective implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention) in Georgia.

Based on the findings of the GREVIO (the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence to the Istanbul Convention) baseline evaluation to Georgia and subsequent recommendations of the Committee of the Parties, the project adopts an evidence-based and victim-centred approach to address persistent gaps in prevention, protection, prosecution, and integrated policies.

Building on the results and lessons learned from previous Council of Europe projects in Georgia, including Reinforcing Gender Equality and Implementing GREVIO Recommendations to Combat Violence against Women and Domestic Violence in Georgia, the project supports institutional reforms, strengthens the capacities of professionals and institutions, and promotes multi-stakeholder cooperation involving state institutions, academia, civil society, the private sector, and the information and communication technology (ICT) sector.

The project places particular emphasis on women’s economic empowerment as a preventive measure against violence, victim-centred access to justice, and emerging challenges such as technology-facilitated violence against women. It also promotes behavioural change approaches to address harmful gender stereotypes and social norms that perpetuate discrimination and violence.

The project is implemented within the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan to Georgia 2024-2027 and contributes to Georgia’s efforts to meet its international human rights obligations and advance its European integration path.

 Ministry of Justice of Georgia

 Public Defender’s Office of Georgia

 Municipal authorities

 National Agency for Crime Prevention, Execution of Non-custodial Sentences and Probation

 Special Penitentiary Service

 Interagency Commission on Gender Equality, Violence against Women and Domestic Violence

 State Care Agency

 Georgian Bar Association

 Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia

 Universities and academic institutions

 Civil society organisations working on gender equality, violence against women and domestic violence

 International organisations working on gender equality, violence against women and domestic violence

Private companies and ICT sector representatives

 Women and girls at risk of violence

Victims of violence against women and domestic violence

The project supports the implementation of urgent GREVIO and Committee of the Parties recommendations, strengthens national capacities to prevent and respond to violence against women and domestic violence, and promotes a coordinated, inclusive, and sustainable approach to gender equality in Georgia.

Advance women’s economic empowerment as a preventive measure against violence by strengthening institutional frameworks and promoting women’s access to skills, resources, and entrepreneurship opportunities, including for women in rural and minority communities.

Enhance access to justice and victim-centred legal aid through capacity building of university legal clinics and legal professionals, ensuring that victims of violence receive timely, effective, and gender-sensitive assistance.

Strengthen prevention and awareness by engaging law students, journalists, and ICT professionals in ethical reporting, safety in technology and online, and gender equality initiatives, helping to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote responsible communication.

Support evidence-based policy development through targeted studies on victim support services and perpetrator programmes, providing government institutions and service providers with tools and data to improve coordination, quality, and accountability.

 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2026

 Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2024 -2027

  The project is implemented by

 the Capacity Building and Co-operation Projects Unit at the Council of Europe’s Gender Equality Division

 Danko RUNIĆ, Project Manager

together with

 the Council of Europe Office in Tbilisi

 Mariam JAJANIDZE, Senior Project Officer

 Tsiala KHOMASURIDZE, Project Officer

 Eka MANJGALADZE, Project Assistant