European standards, mechanisms, and best practices for promoting gender equality and preventing violence against women and domestic violence were the focus of a two-day study visit to Strasbourg for members of civil society from Georgia.

Participants engaged in exchanges with experts from various Council of Europe services, covering key topics such as gender equality, preventing violence against women, children’s rights and LGBTI rights. They also met with lawyers from the European Court of Human Rights, and representatives from the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights and the Conference of INGOs.

Speaking about the significance of civil society involvement, Roberto Olla, Head of the Human Dignity and Gender Equality Department, stated: “Civil society is key for reaching a greater gender equality and combatting violence against women. This is enshrined in the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention) to which Georgia is a party.”

A highlight of the visit was a workshop on countering anti-gender narratives, equipping participants with practical tools and strategies to challenge misinformation and enhance advocacy efforts, using legal mechanisms such as the Istanbul Convention. Discussions also addressed physical and digital security challenges faced by activists, crisis management techniques, and collaborative approaches to strengthening advocacy.

The study visit was organised in the framework of the project “Reinforcing gender equality and implementing GREVIO recommendations to combat violence against women and domestic violence in Georgia”. The Project is a part of the Council of Europe Action Plan to Georgia 2024-2027.