In September-November, 2017, representatives of the Department of Gender Equality and the Department of the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of the Public Defender's Office held information meetings on domestic violence and reproductive health in Adjara, Imereti, Samegrelo and Guria regions.

The meetings were attended by women with disabilities. They talked about the challenges in the areas of reproductive health and access to rights, including neglect of their needs and stereotypical attitudes. They noted that the non-adapted environment in the medical institutions remains a significant problem.

According to the women with disabilities, the problem of sexual harassment is a significant challenge for them. In particular, they noted that they had often become victims of unpleasant staring, touching or comments in the public space and that they have to cope with it on their own.

The participants of the meeting were provided information about state programs on domestic violence, family planning, reproductive health and healthcare, as well as the mandate and authority of the Public Defender.

The meetings were held within the framework of the project - Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, which is being jointly carried out by the Public Defender's Office and the UN Population Fund.