 Mid-level professional women participate in the Future Women Leaders Program, designed to enhance women's professional capabilities and political clout. (Photo USAID)

A Women in Politics training program implemented through START increases women's participation in Georgia's Parliamentary election process (Photo USAID)
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USAID/Georgia’s programs to
enhance political participation place an emphasis on citizens’ needs
and priorities for services. Activities are designed to foster
women’s participation at all levels of the political process.
Future Women LeadersThrough this activity, USAID supports efforts to enhance the professional efficacy and political expertise of potential women leaders. The program focuses on a select group of women from Parliament, executive agencies, labor unions, NGOs, local councils, businesses, and media, especially mid-level professionals who already have demonstrated leadership in their fields. In addition, women's groups are receiving USAID support to ensure their participation in the 2006 local government elections and ongoing political processes.
Gender Mobilizers' GroupsUSAID supports Gender Mobilizers' Groups working in regional areas. The Groups help rural women identify and prioritize their concerns and then work with local governments and businesses to address these concerns. In August 2004, the Gender Mobilizers' Groups established the National Women's Association with a mandate to focus on protecting women's rights and promoting gender policies.
Women, Democracy & GovernanceThrough local partners, USAID provided technical assistance to support Georgia's first direct mayoral election in the June 2002 local elections. To encourage a more diverse multi-party democracy responsive to constituent concerns, political party and civic outreach efforts increased women's participation in the election process, both as candidates and voters. A "Women in Politics" campaign achieved notable success, with 26 female candidates in seven cities elected to office.
Subsequently, in anticipation of the November 2003 presidential election, USAID provided non-partisan assistance to reform-minded political parties and parliamentary factions. The purpose of the support was to establish reform coalitions to enforce the rule of law, safeguard freedom of the press, secure NGOs the right to operate freely, and oppose human rights violations and religious oppression. Women's groups received USAID support to ensure the participation of women in this political process.
Georgia's Program Objectives
Political Participation
Legal Rights
Economic Growth
Health
Trafficking SELECTED ACTIVITIES:
Future Women Leaders
Gender Mobilizers' Groups
Women, Democracy & Governance
Legal Rights for Women
Economic Growth through Micro-Finance for Women
Agribusiness Development
AgVANTAGE Program
Strategic Assistance for Results with Training
(START)
Health Centers
Anti-trafficking Assistance Programs
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Global Snapshots: Georgia
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