The publication “Gender Equality in Georgia: Barriers and Recommendations” is a valuable document on the work of the Parliament and all organizations and persons working on gender issues. It represents the key findings and opinions of relevant organizations or experts to ensure the involvement of gender perspectives in enforcing the legislative framework. The report is initiated by the Permanent Parliamentary Council for Gender Equality, based on a comprehensive qualitative survey conducted for the first time in 2017 with the support of our partner donors.

Given the role of the Permanent Parliamentary Council for Gender Equality, the updating of this publication is particularly important, as the Council must address the challenges identified here and set appropriate priorities for future work. Accordingly, the report presents data processed by experts on the latest trends in the country in terms of gender equality and legislative barriers, suggests possible solutions to these challenges, and both short-term and long-term perspectives for implementing specific recommendations.

Like the previous version, the study consists of two parts: the first part covers vital issues such as state mechanisms for gender equality, discrimination, violence against women, women’s participation in politics, and women, peace and security. As well as gender budgeting, gender impact assessment, and gender audit; The second part focuses on issues like women’s economic empowerment, labor rights, sexual and reproductive health, gender equality in education, culture, and sports. This year, the report adds three important areas that Parliament and the Gender Council are actively working on – Gender Impact Analysis, Gender Budgeting, and Gender Audit.

Representatives of government agencies and partner organizations working on the issue have been actively engaged in updating the research. Based on the consultation meetings, updated recommendations were written, requiring both immediate response in the short term and a long-term approach.

We would like to thank our donor organizations and all parties involved in the process, and we hope that this report will continue to make a significant contribution to ensuring gender equality in the country and integrating gender mainstreaming into organic decision-making processes.