Kakheti Regional Women’s Council, with the support of CENN, launches a local initiative to Enhance women’s empowerment and their ability to generate income through sustainable and multifunctional use of forest and non-timber forest products.
Within the framework of the “Sustainable Forest Management for Rural Development” project, per the initiative of the Kakheti Women’s Council, a two-day certification training was held for local communities, focus on women and girls, led by Georgian Ecotourism Association. The training was held at Nazi Dakishvili Family Hotel in the village of Jokolo, Pankisi Gorge. The training was attended by women and community members from different villages of Kakheti, including: Jokolo, Omalo, Akhalsopeli, Kisiskhevi, Argokhi, Shalauri, Pshaveli.
The main topic of the training was train the hiking guides. Participants were informed about hiking as a type of tourism, a possible location for the hiking tour, and the use of route navigation tools. Also, the training discussed the risks of hiking, risk management and food safety. Practical work was carried out, including setting up the tent and getting acquainted with the equipment.
Kakheti Women’s Council is planning a series of events supporting local women as part of the initiative. The events include trainings, seminars and study tours on promoting green entrepreneurship, the importance of formal registration, improving digital skills for local entrepreneurs, a forum supporting women entrepreneurs and etc.
The Women’s Councils were established under the “Sustainable Forest Management for Rural Development” project implemented by CENN, with financial support from the Austrian Development Cooperation. The purpose of the Women’s Councils is to support the social and economic empowerment of rural women by promoting sustainable, social entrepreneurship of non-timber forest resources and increasing their involvement in sustainable forest management and rural development decision-making processes.