Gender clichés still strong in Georgia
TBILISI. 25 November, 2013 – Public views about the roles of men and women in family life, business and politics were examined in a research commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funds from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Key findings of the study were presented today to representatives of the Government, international organisations, civil society, academia and the media.
The nation-wide research looks into public perceptions on gender equality and compares the present results with the conclusions of the previous similar researches. The study reveals that public stance towards gender has remained unchanged over years. It also shows that different age groups in Georgia share similar beliefs, attitudes and stereotypes about women’s participation in politics and economic activities.
Speaking at the opening session today, the Head of the United Nations in Georgia, Niels Scott, said: “Georgia has been successful in recent years in promoting gender equality through new legislation and policies. But fundamental change of public perception takes longer and is more difficult to achieve. We hope that this report will stir a constructive discussion that will lead to new initiatives in the areas of human rights and civic education.”
Conducted by the Georgian research agency, ACT, the study accumulates the results of 1,760 face-to-face interviews across Georgia, and 16 focus group discussions in Samegrelo and Kakheti.
According to the research, 88 percent of the respondents think that men are supposed to be breadwinners of their families. 62 percent of women and only 37 percent of men think that women and men should make decisions together. Majority of the respondents – 45 percent, prefers to have a boy as the only child. Boys are also privileged in education and property rights.
57 percent agrees that men have a greater chance to get a high ranking position. Both men and women – 68 percent, give priority to a male presidential candidate. 54 percent thinks that politics is inappropriate for women.
The research is undertaken under the UN Joint Programme “To Enhance Gender Equality in Georgia”.
