Main Aspects of Violence Against Women and Girls with Disabilities (Georgia)
Presented by Madona Kharebava (she/her)
Sponsored by Robert H. Smith School of Business
Date and Time
2021 Disability Summit
April 14, 2021 – 12:45 PM-1:20 PM
Presentation Materials
Presentation slides: PPT
Abstract
We are living in a very dynamic unfair world, where human rights and fighting against violence are only declared, however not implemented. The situation is sharper when it concerns women and girls with disabilities.
The goal of my proposal is to introduce evaluation processes regarding this unresolved issue. Prevailing gender stereotypes, avoidance, and society’s ignorance of these problems in Georgia have created crucial barriers, which are still overlooked and less prioritized by the country. Despite significant steps forward for achieving gender equality and democratization of society, this issue has not become the topic of public discourse.
Lack of political will and low public awareness in all levels of society (public and private sector) impede the process of rehabilitation and integration of women and girls with disabilities in ruling strata in urban and rural areas.
After the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities and the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) by Georgia, significant progress has not been made in the country. It should be noted that civil society activities are not efficient, because they capture varieties of specific projects, are dependent on grants, and are unable to maintain stability. The voice of women and girls with disabilities during the COVID-19 crisis is difficult to be heard, hence, they are being forgotten by people.
Inclusion, Integration, Cooperation, and Consolidation of all stakeholders for achieving justice should be an obligation of the citizens of Georgia.
About the Speakers
Madona Kharebava (she/her)
Ms. Madona Kharebava is a founder and a head of the “Association of Disabled Women and Mothers of Disabled Children (DEA),” which works with the civil society and local communities to enhance the capacities of women and girls in different regions of Georgia, particularly nearby the occupied territory of Abkhazia. For more than 20 years she has been working on gender equality issues , supporting women’s rights initiatives through educational activities, capacity building and awareness raising. She has been involved in the elaboration of the legislative base on gender issues in the country: The Anti-domestic Violence Law, (2006), the Gender Equality Law (2010), Labor Law (2006), recommendations concerning the increase in women’s status in Georgia. She has led many projects on the rights of persons with disabilities, girls and women in cooperation with many stakeholders. She is the author of many publications and researches related to these issues. Ms. Madona Kharebava has participated in the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a systemic and targeted strategy to combat violence against people with disabilities, especially women and girls. She has graduated from the Physics faculty of IIvane Javakishili Tbilisi University, where she obtained a master’s degree. Prior to founding the association DEA, Madonna was working as a high school teacher of Physics and Astronomy.
Contact Information:
YouTube Channel
Presenter’s Facebook
Email: madonnakharebava@yahoo.com