On November 29, the entire word marks the International Women Human Rights Defenders Day that was established since 2004 to mark dedication of defenders of women’s rights and their fearless fight.

The Public Defender also commemorates the International Women Human Rights Defenders Day and expresses respect towards activists for women’s rights in Georgia and across the world. Being a defender of women’s rights is a great responsibility as one has to touch tabooed topics, break the silence culture, change stereotypical views of the society and speak about violence, fear and discrimination that women experience in various spheres of life. In the world, numerous women’s rights defenders suffer harassment and violence because of their work.

While marking this day we should not forget immense contribution that women’s rights defenders bring to development of democratic countries, establishment of principles of justice and equality. It is not easy to defend rights of others, to be active and to fight for equality if you face fear and pressure during your work and when you become a social outcast.

When we talk about women’s rights we should not forget that first it was feminists that triggered the start of the discussion. They were first to raise their voice against suppression of women and their unequal treatment in various spheres of life. Today we continue the path that is called fight to achieve gender equality.

Especially notable is a role of women’s rights defenders in Georgia when the rate of violence towards women is so high. Only this year more than 20 women were killed by their partners or former partners, there are still stereotypical views in the society about the role of a woman and woman’s voice does not count when decision are made.

It is important that in 2013 the Women’s Fund in Georgia established a prize for defenders of women’s rights and with this initiative the day was linked to the name of Georgian feminist, publicist and activist of the early twentieth century Kato Mikeladze. She was educated in Europe and during the rest of her life she strived to wake a desire in women to engage actively in the political and public life of the country.

Protection of women’s rights and promotion of gender equality is a priority issue in the work of the Public Defender. To this aim, on May 15, 2013, the Department of Gender Equality was formed, numerous documents defining policies were drawn up and we always see ourselves among those defending women’s rights.