Georgian students and teachers enhance their gender equality capacities with EU support

In March 2026, young people and educators in Georgia strengthened their capacities to promote gender equality, challenge stereotypes and support the country’s EU integration commitments through two training sessions organised under the EU4Gender Equality Reform Helpdesk project, funded by the European Union and implemented by Niras. The initiative targeted both students and educators – reflecting a coordinated approach to building a more gender-equal society aligned with EU standards.

The first online session (9 March) brought together over 30 students aged 15 to 18 from private schools in Tbilisi and various regions across Georgia. Over four hours, participants engaged in interactive presentations, small group discussions, role-playing exercises, and personal reflection activities. These methods enabled them to explore how gender stereotypes impact everyday life, career choices, and social roles. They also examined traditional perceptions of gender roles in Georgia, reviewed the national legal framework, and discussed the links between gender equality, EU values and the country’s integration process.

Participants’ feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many calling for more frequent and accessible sessions. As one student noted, “Engaging in this type of training significantly enhances citizens’ understanding and awareness of various important topics.”

Four days later, on 13 March, the focus shifted to the educators. Twenty-one civic education teachers from private schools across Georgia participated in an online training on integrating gender equality into the civic education curriculum. Based on adult learning principles, the session covered key gender concepts, analysed gender stereotypes in Georgian school settings, and addressed national and EU legal and policy frameworks. Teachers worked through real-life case studies from Georgian classrooms, identified entry points for embedding gender equality in the national civic education curriculum, and developed strategies to address resistance and facilitate sensitive discussions with students, parents, and colleagues.

Participants actively engaged and praised the training for its practical relevance. “As a homeroom teacher, the topics we discussed will help me create a healthier and more equitable classroom environment,” shared one participant. ”Additionally, as a subject teacher, this knowledge will assist me in breaking down gender stereotypes in my lessons.”

These trainings are part of the EU4Gender Equality Reform Helpdesk project’s support for gender equality and women’s empowerment across the Eastern Neighbourhood region, including by supporting civil society in Georgia. With funding from the European Union, the project expert advice, capacity building, knowledge products, and support for enhanced cooperation among governments, civil society organisations and EU institutions to facilitate gender-responsive reforms. 

This article has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Niras and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Find out more about the EU’s support for gender equality in the Eastern Neighbourhood region

Factsheet on the EU4Gender Reform Helpdesk Phase II

EU4Gender Equality Reform Helpdesk Phase II project page

Gender Equality Library

EU4Gender Equality Reform Helpdesk Phase I project page