Action Against Hunger Empowers Women Entrepreneurs – Europe Day 2025

On May 9th, at the Europe Day event at the Expo in Tbilisi, we had the opportunity to provide an insight into how we have partnered with the European Union and how they have supported our work. Under the EU-funded project “Empowering civil society to increase gender equality and counter gender-based violence in Georgia,” we have been creating opportunities and funding women-led businesses. At this Europe Day event four such business start-ups were able to show the achievements of their work to the thousands of visitors that attended.

Eka Javakhishvili, former Tbilisi Shuttle participant, had a long-standing dream of producing eco-friendly toys. With the support of one of our small business grants, she set up a Montessori concept workshop, Monteco, where she produces educational, and child development–oriented toys. “Being able to present my small startup here today is a big opportunity for me,” she tells us excitedly. “In the future,” Eka adds, “I hope that my small business will grow, hopefully I will be able to expand and maybe even sell my toys abroad!”

Eka Javakhishvili, former Tbilisi Shuttle participant

Under the brand name, “MAISIA,” Maia Chubinashvili sells intricate handicrafts. Besides bags and decorative wooden signs, Maia makes jewellery, using special stones. During her participation in the Telavi Shuttle, she realised that she wanted to work in the handicrafts business and today, she runs her business from inside her Telavi-based home. Maia’s daughter is helping her with the sale of MAISIA products. “I am very happy to have been given the opportunity to be here today, on Europe Day,” Maia expresses. “Being able to own a workshop and store is my big dream,” she tells us, having come one step closer to living her dream by being able to present her brand to the public. 

Maia Chubinashvili makes jewellery using special stones

Tamar Tabatadze from Tbilisi was showcasing the dolls and toys that she has made which she says has been a long-standing dream of hers. “I have always been creative,” she says This comes as no surprise, as Tamar is a painter and an artist and additionally, she is exceptionally good at imitating animal noises – which has come in handy when entertaining her five children in the past. “I have always wanted to bring children joy,” she says with a big smile on her face. “Hopefully one day, I will be able to work at birthday parties for children,” when asked about her future. For now, Tomoro is where she sells toys, bags and bassinets. All handmade, with Love in Every Detail.

Tamar Tabatadze from Tbilisi was showcasing the dolls. 

Nino Kasreleshvili from Marneuli, has recently opened up her own photography studio, ნინეას სტუდია - Ninea's Studio. We interviewed her for a separate article back in March. Sharing her thoughts about having the opportunity to present her business on that Europe Day she says that “this event was a very interesting experience. I had the opportunity to speak with many people, which positively impacted the promotion of my business page.” In front of a wall, visitors were able to have their photo taken and guests happily agreed to take a commemorative photo, and she was able to exchange contact information with many visitors. Looking back on her experience she expresses her gratitude and says that “I’m glad I was involved in an activity that emphasizes the message: ‘I am Georgian, and therefore, I am European!’

Nino Kasreleshvili from Marneuli, has recently opened up her own photography studio, 

Thank you for everyone who came to visit our exposition which celebrated the power of women and the strength of local start-ups!

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.

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