The independence granted to former Soviet republics in the early 1990s brought economic hardships, dramatic social change and the renewed search for cultural and political identity. Despite these often daunting conditions, there are areas of civil society that have made great strides in community building that offer hope for continued social and civic improvement. At the heart of much of this success lies the spirit and commitment of Georgian women. Often looked upon as weak members of a traditionally strong patriarchal society, Georgian women play a critical role in the overall development of the country. Their increased involvement in civil society organizations has resulted in a broadening of democratic participation across the country. As the centerpiece of the family unit, women can affect and influence change in a variety of ways. Elevated to the public stage, women leaders have begun to influence public policy and social behavior.

Women leaders face daunting challenges from cultural traditions and male-dominated public and private institutions that resist social change. In order to support those women leaders seeking to affect positive change in communities throughout Georgia, Project Harmony will conduct the Georgian Women's Leadership Program (GWLP). This program will benefit from the expertise of Ann Martin, trainer in residence, who has worked on Project Harmony's WLP in Baikal and Volgograd, Russia. The program will run October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2002.

The GWLP will offer the following seminars:
Women's Leadership Series: A series of four three-day workshops that explore women's leadership roles in issues of economic empowerment and domestic violence prevention in Georgia.
Women's Leadership Institutes. Five-day intensive institutes that will develop the participant's skills in areas of strategic planning, interpersonal communication, coalition building, conflict resolution and public advocacy.
Women's Mentoring Institutes: Two five-day sessions provide mentoring skills.
All-Caucasus Conference on Women's Leadership: Offers the opportunity to exchange information and examine a variety of leadership initiatives.

The Georgian Women's Leadership Program will reach more than 250 women from across the southern Caucasus. Its impact will last well into the 21st century, effecting positive change in communities across Georgia and throughout the southern Caucasus.