WISG’s communication and collaboration strand was
established as a separate area of focus in 2018, although activities began much
earlier. Since 2002, the Women’s Initiatives Supporting Group has been filling
the vacuum around SOGI issues by translating texts, creating the first SOGI-focused
website, establishing a library and glossaries of relevant SOGI-related terms, as
well as developing a non-formal education module on gender and sexuality. This work
is based on the belief that in order to achieve social change, it is imperative
to generate critical knowledge and cultivate ideas of equality and solidarity.
The concept of visibility was also seen as part of the communication component,
which implies constructive steps towards changing the current reality.
WISG was the first organization in Georgia to begin
monitoring hate speech in the media and develop a guideline, which is still effectively
used by organizations. In order to raise awareness among journalists, WISG
actively collaborates with UNDP, the Public Defender’s Office, and the Georgian
Charter of Journalistic Ethics. Since 2012, WISG has been holding regular
campaigns to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, trans visibility week,
and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Some of the highlights
of WISG’s work include art projects, photo exhibitions, flash mobs, and an
annual Feminist Film Festiva,l “From Rosa to Simone”, among others. These
campaigns are conceived as feminist concepts and help to creatively unpack
ideas on gender and sexuality.