On 4 and 8 December, 2015, within the framework of a 16-day campaign of fight against gender-based violence, the Department of Gender Equality of the Public Defender's Office and the International Research Center of Conflict and Negotiations, held information meetings in the Kvemo Kartli and Samtskhe-Javakheti regions. The meetings were led by the representative of the Department of Gender Equality of the Public Defender's Office, Sophio Rusetski.

The meetings, aimed at raising awareness on main issues of early marriage, were held with teachers, school students and their parents in Tsalka, Tetritskaro, Akhaltsikhe and Adigeni municipalities.

Forms and causes of early marriage, as well as related risks, current practice and solutions were discussed at the meetings. School students noted that early marriage is still a common practice. Socio-economic problems and lack of information were named as the main causes.

The meeting participants were informed of the legal regulations, service provider organizations and the role of the Public Defender in responding to the cases of early marriage.