𝐌𝐞𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐧 𝐀𝐯𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐢 𝐒𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞
12 years ago, Meisun Avdala arrived in Georgia, after having fled her home country of Sudan. In Batumi she found safety and was able to build a new life for herself and her family, learning the language and integrating herself into Georgian society. To further support her integration she has been participating in the Shuttle programme in Batumi under the EU-funded project "Empowering civil society to increase gender equality and counter gender-based violence in Georgia," which concludes this week.
"I have always been interested in programmes focused on supporting women," says Meisun. "At one event, I learned that Action Against Hunger was launching a project aimed at empowering women, promoting their integration into society, and enhancing their employment opportunities. I was deeply interested which is why I applied!"
Meisun and some of her fellow Shuttle participants working on a group exercise
For her, the programme has provided invaluable insights into employment and new opportunities: "This programme has strengthened me as a person and increased my self-confidence. I used to think that certain weaknesses were unique to me, but the group activities showed me that others face similar challenges."
Meisun extends her gratitude to the Shuttle coach who supports the participants in overcoming difficulties, encouraging them to unlock their potential and helping them to become more successful. "I have had a great deal of psychological support here. However, what I am most grateful for are the friends I have made. The other participants inspire me every day, and they have become my best friends."
Meisun and her 15-year old daughter Nuni
One of her greatest joys is sharing this experience with her 15-year-old daughter, Nuni, who often joins her at the sessions and says that she loves the atmosphere; "I was curious about where my mom was going because she always came home in a great mood and shared stories about interesting activities, encouraging us [her family] to be more self-organised. I asked her to take me along, and I really enjoyed the Shuttle activities. Since then, I've been attending the sessions as well. The activities motivate us to be more organised and confident," says Nuni.
This project is led by the Center for Information and Counseling on Reproductive Health - Tanadgoma for Equality / თანადგომა თანასწორობისთვის - in partnership with Action Against Hunger South Caucasus, Women's Initiatives Supporting Group, The Union of Azerbaijani Women of Georgia / აზერბაიჯანელ ქალთა კავშირი and the National Network of Women With Disabilities შშმ ქალთა ეროვნული ქსელი. This initiative is supported by European Union in Georgia.
