Local Initiatives – A real mechanism for solving problems

More resources, more influence, more trust, more mandate, more chance, more attention from media – this is a small list of the profits which will be attained as a result of cooperation between Georgian and Armenian women councils. Representatives of women councils from two countries joined together last week in Ratevani to discuss common efforts at solutions to the problems existing in the Khrami-Debeda basin, and about the implementation of regional projects.

Representatives of the women’s council of Shnogh village shared their experience with locals during a bilateral meeting organized within the initiative of the development of rural women councils.

Discussion revealed the main problem for the village of Shnogh is drinking water and its quality. For the solution of this problem women council of Shnogh actively cooperates with the local and regional government, media and private distribution company, and they have already received verbal confirmation from them that they will solve this problem.

An independent survey conducted by the women’s council proved that biological contamination of the drinking water is taking place. According to official documents the quality of drinking water does not correspond to established standards. In the near future it is planned to organize a TV journalist investigation, which will increase the accountability of the government and facilitate a solution to this problem.

The main problems at Ratevani are the sewerage system and biological pollution of the environment from all kinds of production. An agreement already exists between individuals and the local government that they will solve this problem with common effort. Septic tanks will be installed in the cheese factories with co-financing.

“Lack of drinking water is also a serious problem in Ratevani. But this is connected with the use of drinking water for irrigation purposes. In the near future, the government plans to rehabilitate the irrigation system, which will facilitate the use of drinking water for its primary purpose and the problem will solve itself. Because of this our focus and effort were made in a different direction.” – say representatives of women council of village Ratevani.

Before the bilateral meetings in Ratevani two days training were organized for the representatives of women councils about budget monitoring, coalition building and the basics of leadership.