Ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed on November 25, EU Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski, issued a statement emphasizing the urgent need to address gender-based violence in the country. Citing recent data, the ambassador revealed that one in two women in Georgia has experienced violence at some point in their lives, underscoring the pervasive nature of the issue.
Herczynski described gender-based violence not only as a personal tragedy but also as a profound violation of human rights that adversely affects families and communities globally, including in Georgia. He noted the alarming global statistic that almost one in three women has faced physical or sexual violence, linking it to the troubling local reality.
The EU, according to Herczynski, has been actively supporting initiatives to combat this issue in Georgia. These include projects aimed at raising awareness, providing legal, social, and psychological assistance to survivors, and challenging harmful stereotypes through educational campaigns. The SafeYou app, a platform supported by EU funding, was highlighted as a critical tool in empowering women to protect themselves and seek help.
This year’s global theme for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is “Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed. Unite to end violence against women.” Herczynski emphasized the importance of breaking the silence and stigma surrounding gender-based violence, advocating for a future where respect, dignity, and safety are universal rights.
