The Public Defender’s Office of Georgia has prepared a special report on the gender equality policy of the municipalities. The report evaluates the rights situation of women at the local level, existence of support mechanisms, women’s involvement and participation in the decision-making process.

The research areas were the functioning of gender equality councils at the municipal level and the main characteristics of their activities, existing policy documents, segregated data and budgeting issues, support mechanisms relating to women's rights, as well as women's involvement and participation in the decision-making process.

The document analyzes the relevant international standards and the existing legislative, policy and institutional frameworks at the local level, including information obtained from the focus groups.

In contrast to the previous years’ plans, the current gender equality action plans are more refined and adapted to local needs, however, it is still a challenge that a significant part of the municipalities have not evaluated/analyzed the implementation of the said plans. There are a number of barriers to the effective functioning of the gender equality councils, including in-depth knowledge and expertise of the decision-makers and executives, as well as financial and human resources.

As a result of the research, recommendations were developed for the local self-government bodies, which will be important to consider in order to address gender inequality and gender-insensitive approaches.

The special report on the gender equality policy of the municipalities was prepared by the Public Defender’s Office in cooperation with UN Women and with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway.