Multimedia project “Youth for Social Changes” presents twelve young persons from different regions of Georgia who dedicate their actions and enthusiasm trying to change the society, achieve gender equality and contribute to creation of a healthier environment.
Saba Talakhadze, 17, from the village of Pirveli Sviri, Zestafoni Municipality
I have always known about gender equality, but in society, when it came to gender equality, I was too shy to express myself due to some stereotypes. The initiative “Youth for Social Changes” made me change my views so that I managed to overcome all this and now I am not afraid of any stereotypes or anyone’s opinion. Now, I state my opinion openly and publicly, whenever and wherever I want to, but up to a point, of course. In the beginning, it all started with the fact that I was mesmerized by this chaos, this active lifestyle, that we were everywhere and organized everything. We had an opportunity and all the resources to do everything ourselves, so I gathered a large circle of friends and we are no longer afraid of anything. We often go to the City Hall and offer our opinions and ideas and they support us as much as they can and help us to realize our ideas. Many people don’t know that there is a youth council in Zestafoni and a lot of interesting training is organized there. We want to do even more and expand our activities throughout Zestafoni. It needs a lot of space and time - and it is energy-consuming. The first thing that should be done for this purpose is to find the space. When the local residents see this space, they will be able to come to us, offer us their ideas and we will support them as much as possible to get involved in various projects, to be active and not idle. I devote my free time to coming up with new ideas and connecting them together. I want to be a journalist, but I haven't decided yet. What I like about the profession is its chaotic elements and the limitless scope. Journalists are very active, everyone knows them and they are everywhere. I will try my best to come back here and take care of my municipality and make some changes in terms of formal and informal education. I would advise young people to use their resources in every way possible and not to waste their energy on nonsense. For example, I had no idea before that I would be a leader, but I discovered this hidden skill in myself and now I am a leader of a team of 45 people which is a great experience and responsibility for me. I would also advise young people to make the most of their age so that they can fully realize themselves later on.
“Youth for Social Change" is an initiative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Georgia Country Office aimed to promote gender equality, eliminate gender stereotypes and harmful social norms.
It is part of the three EU-funded programmes: “Ending Violence Against Women and Girls in Georgia (EVAWGG)” programme (Kvemo Kartli region), “Addressing Gender-biased Sex Selection and Related Harmful Practices in South Caucasus” (Samtskhe-Javakheti region) as well as “EU4GenderEquality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence" (Guria and Imereti regions).
About the authors:
Dina Oganova is a Georgian documentary photographer working in Georgia and other countries on different long term projects. She has been a laureate of prestigious awards, including the EU Prize for Journalism and Litera. Ms. Oganova has been named among the best woman photographers under the age of 30. Her photo projects include: “I Am Georgia”; “My Place,” “Frozen Waves.” Ms. Oganova’s works have been exhibited in Italy, France, USA, Spain and other countries. She is an author of the first Georgia handmade limited edition photobook “My Place”, which is a part of collections of several museums, including the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Dina Oganova has cooperated with UNFPA Georgia since 2016 on different projects: “A Girl is Born” (“Silent Garden”), “Girls from the Future”, “Mothers and Daughters”, etc. Women’s and girls’ rights remain in focus of her artistic work.
Tatia Nadareishvili is a freelance Georgian illustrator, co-founder of studio “Illustrator” (2016), who writes and illustrates children’s books. One of her books “Sweet Dreams” was published in 2017 and translated in several languages. Tatia Nadareishvili has cooperated with UNFPA Georgia since 2018. In 2020 she illustrated a bestselling bedtime story “Luna and The Planet of Fireflies”, which will soon turn into a play.
