The Public Defender of Georgia is criticizing the comment made by Vakhtang Shakarishvili, a member of Tbilisi City Council. In particular, Shakarishvili addressed the participants of a public discussion with the following words: "What is this? You are shouting like female whores.” The Public Defender considers that the mentioned comment is sexist and the specific situation of women is given in the humiliating context.

According to the Public Defender, persons involved in political processes should have realized that they have a special responsibility to promote the principle of equality. Use of phrases of sexist or other forms of discriminatory content by them may have a devastating effect on the fight for the equality in the country.

It is important to note that the equality of women and their equal participation in the decision-making processes remain problematic in Georgia, while the stereotypes which, in some cases, represent women in degrading situation are deeply rooted in the society. The Public Defender considers that sexual and discriminatory statements made by persons involved in political processes degrade the importance of women's participation in the decision-making processes and makes it impossible to achieve gender equality.

Taking into consideration the abovementioned, the Public Defender calls on the member of Tbilisi City Council to refrain from making sexist statements in the future and observe the principle of equality while performing his duties.