Sisters Sona and Mehriban Namazovas were born in Georgia, spent several years in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, returned to their homeland six years ago, and have been living in the village of Mushevani ever since.
The village of Mushevan, located in the Bolnisi municipality, lies far from the center. Its population faces numerous challenges, including educational, infrastructural, and social problems.
“When I came here, I found it strange that women have fewer rights than men and that men have more say in the family... Early marriage is common here,” says 15-year-old Sona, who wants to become a police officer.
“Everyone I talk to about it tells me: you are a girl, why do you want to be a police officer?” adds Sona, who wants equality between women and men to be protected everywhere and for them to enjoy equal rights.
Mehriban also believes that it is difficult for girls to freely choose a profession. After graduating from school, she wants to continue her vocational education in Tbilisi and advises her peers to study, not get married early, and pursue employment in a field that interests them.
The harmful practice of child marriage, which is a gross violation of human rights, remains a challenge in Georgia. It threatens the lives and health of girls and limits their future prospects. Child marriage is a problem throughout the country. However, urban and rural settlements differ significantly in terms of its prevalence.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is working to eradicate this harmful practice in Georgia and around the world so that adolescent girls have the opportunity to live in a healthy, safe environment and receive an education — not only during this important stage of development but also in the future, as adult women.
“Gender equality in our community, as in the rest of Georgia, remains a major challenge due to existing patriarchal norms, which is why, as a society, we are not so equal,” says Rabil Ismail, one of the founders of the “Salam” platform, who believes in change.
Since 2019, the “Salam” platform has been working in the Kvemo Kartli region — specifically in the municipalities of Bolnisi, Gardabani, and Marneuli — with young people, ethnic and religious minorities, rural residents, and other groups to raise awareness about human rights, gender equality, and harmful practices.
Through its activities, the “Salam” platform empowers women and girls to raise their voices against oppression and discriminatory norms and to enjoy their rights unhindered. At the same time, the organization promotes community dialogue between different age groups, fostering trust and mutual respect.
As Rabil Ismail explains, the goal of the organization is to help the local population overcome the challenges they face and build a developed, equal, and harmonious society.
“We will have the opportunity to share with many young people the values that will strengthen Georgia,” notes Rabil Ismail. In May, with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the organization held meetings with adolescent girls and boys in rural areas, including the village of Mushevani, where participants once again reflected on the essence and importance of equality for their better future.
Kvemo Kartli is one of the regions of Georgia where UNFPA, within the framework of the UN Joint Program “For Gender Equality” and with the support of Sweden, works to empower community organizations.
Educational and consulting visits to the regions, in cooperation with local community organizations —who best understand the challenges adolescents and young people face amid surrounding stereotypes and social norms — also serve this purpose.
Parize Nabieva, a 22-year-old member of “Salam”, also believes that new generations have the power to change existing social norms.
“Young people are eager to learn, develope, and make new discoveries, which will help them receive education, get employed, and lead a harmonious life,” she says.
