The Eastern and Western Georgia Divisions of the Public Defender's Office held dozens of meetings in various cities and villages of Georgia within the framework of the 16 Daysof Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign held from November 25 to December 10, 2019.

The campaign is marked worldwide from November 25 each year and aims to raise awareness of gender equality, domestic violence, human rights and fundamental freedoms. The campaign's main theme this year was sexual harassment.

Representatives of the regional offices of the Public Defender discussed various issues related to violence against children, gender equality, domestic violence, fundamental human rights and freedoms, Public Defender's mandate, bullying, environment accessibility for persons with disabilities and other issues. Stakeholders were able to get information about the recent legislative regulations on sexual harassment, the challenges relating to the protection of equality and the recommendations of the Public Defender in this direction.

Women's economic empowerment and participation in decision-making, as well as the circumstances that hinder women's employment and their involvement in public and political processes, were underlined at the meetings.

The campaign encompassed presentations, discussions, film screenings and conferences, as well as meetings with mayors and other senior officials of local self-governments.

About 2500 people participated in the informational meetings held in Marneuli, Tetritskaro, Gardabani, Dmanisi, Bolnisi, Gori, Kareli, Ninotsminda, Akhalkalaki, Borjomi, Akhmeta, Pankisi Gorge, Kvareli, Sagarejo, Telavi, Mtskheta, as well as the municipalities of Mestia, Kutaisi, Batumi, Zestafoni, Zugdidi, Ozurgeti and Chokhatauri.

A street event was held at the end of the campaign, during which, memorable gifts and brochures about the Public Defender’s mandate, violence against children, bullying, early marriage, gender equality and domestic violence were handed out to the locals. In addition, representatives of the Public Defender's Office provided legal consultations to the persons concerned on the ground.