Information Meetings in Roma Community
On September 7-11 and 14, 2017, representatives of the Department of Gender Equality of the Public Defender's Office, together with Venera Martkoplishvili, Director of the Roma organization, held information meetings in the Kakheti and Kvemo Kartli regions (Dedoplistskaro, Telavi, Gachiani). The themes of the meetings were: early marriage, domestic violence and reproductive health.
The main challenge facing the Roma community is the high rate of domestic violence and violence against women. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of awareness of the protection and assistance mechanisms. The stereotypical attitudes further aggravate the current situation of domestic violence and more attention is required from the state.
The situation of reproductive and sexual health is also problematic. There is no family planning practice in the community; the level of awareness of contraception methods is quite low. The main challenge in this regard is the lack of information and low access to existing health care services, which in turn leads to pregnancy without doctor consultation and childbirth at home in many cases.
During the meeting, participants were provided with information on human rights, the protection and assistance services available in the country, as well as the mandate of the Public Defender of Georgia.
The meetings were held within the framework of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights - a joint project of the Public Defender's Office and the UN Population Fund. The Department of Gender Equality of the Public Defender's Office will continue to hold information meetings in the Roma community.