“Georgia continues to prioritize implementation of the WPS agenda and the meaningful participation of women in relevant formats,” said Maka Botchorishvili, Georgian Foreign Minister addressing the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women that takes place at United Nations Headquarters in New York from March 10 to 21, 2025.

According to Maka Botchorishvili, in the face of global challenges, the significance of peace, which is a fundamental prerequisite for the protection and promotion of human rights, must be emphasized.

“Thirty years have passed since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a true milestone and framework for the realization of the rights of women and girls. Last year, Georgia submitted its report on the National-level Review of Beijing+30. This is a real testament of our dedication to the actions set out by the global review process.

Excellencies, amid global turbulence, first and foremost, we have to underline the importance of peace as it is a fundamental precondition for the protection and promotion of human rights. Women and girls are continuously affected by conflicts, experiencing violence, displacement, and economic hardship. Striving for global peace and security is a critical and shared responsibility.

Unfortunately, my country has not been spared from these security challenges. As legally attested by decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and the International Criminal Court, Russia continues to occupy the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali maintaining effective control on the ground, where, in the absence of international monitoring mechanisms, the situation remains worrisome. Women living in these two regions, as well as in areas adjacent to occupation lines, continue to suffer systematic and grave violations of their fundamental rights and freedoms.

Here, let me stress that Georgia continues to prioritize implementation of the WPS agenda and the meaningful participation of women in relevant formats and has regularly adopted National Action Plans (NAP) since 2012.

Ladies and gentlemen, economic development is crucial as it generates resources, jobs, services all of which are essential for realizing human rights. In recent years, Georgia has achieved remarkable economic development success. For 10 consecutive years, Georgia has been ranked as a top state for doing business, attracting substantial investments and job creation, and having a strong focus on workforce development and infrastructure. We have also made significant strides towards a more equal and inclusive society. Georgia’s commitment to the proper realization of women’s and girls’ rights is evident, among others, when it comes to support for women entrepreneurs, women’s continued access to financial support tools, and increasing awareness of state support programs.

We do believe that empowered and educated women, equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence, contribute to the well-being of families and to improved prospects for the next generation. Excellences, equality cannot be accomplished until every woman feels safe.

Violence against women and girls remains one of the most prevalent issues globally. Georgia is actively addressing this challenge through legislative reforms, institution strengthening, and international cooperation, including ratifying the Istanbul Convention and implementing national action plans to combat violence and protect victims. But, a significant number of women (38.2%) remain silent about violence, and we need to be vocal about it. In the end, let me thank the esteemed members of the Bureau for their remarkable work in making this important annual session happen once again,” she said.