As part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, UNDP and the Embassy of Sweden in Georgia launched a dynamic discussion space for young people to explore how gender affects career choices and professional growth.

Up to 50 high school students joined tech entrepreneurs, gender equality experts, and human resource professionals for the interactive event ‘Profession Has No Gender.’ Participants explored persistent stereotypes around professions labelled as ‘women’s work’ or ‘men’s work’, the role of women in driving economic development and digital progress, the impacts of discrimination across homes, schools, and workplaces, and practical ways to advance equality in the digital era.

“I am encouraged by the energy, motivation, and vision of these young women and men as they prepare to shape their futures. The message from this vibrant new generation is loud and clear: they want an inclusive and fair society built on human rights and equality,” said Elisabet Brandberg, Head of Development Cooperation, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Sweden in Georgia.

“Limiting women’s career choices is one of the most damaging ways to silence them in public life. Career decisions are not only about personal fulfilment. They are a pathway to financial independence and long-term security. Everyone should have the freedom and opportunity to pursue their own professional path, and where young people, women and men alike, are fully supported to thrive,” noted Douglas Webb, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia.

Facilitated by Elene Rukhadze (Foxy Eleniko), one of Georgia’s leading social media influencers, the event highlighted recent research on gender equality supported by the United Nations and Sweden. Participants also examined current trends in the private-sector job market and worked in groups to envision future professions and propose recommendations for education, employment, and more inclusive environments.

Speakers included Nato Kvachantiradze, human capital expert; Mariam Gagua, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at DwellUP; and Ana Lobzhanidze, UNDP Gender Advisor in Georgia.

The discussion ‘Profession Has No Gender’ was organised within the Sweden-funded UN Joint Programme for Gender Equality.

Gender Equality in Georgia

Recent research, Men, Women, and Gender Relations in Georgia, commissioned by UNDP and UNFPA with support from Sweden, presents a mixed picture of public attitudes towards gender roles.

Half of the respondents believe that women and men can be equally successful business leaders. Yet a notable gender gap persists: 20% more women than men share this view. Women’s confidence in female leadership has grown from 56% in 2019 to 62% in 2024, while men’s confidence has decreased from 54% to 44%. More men also now believe that men are better suited for business leadership.

Attitudes toward women in political leadership are shifting towards equality. 62% of Georgians (71.6% of women and 51.8% of men) agree that greater female participation in politics would benefit the country.

Views on gender roles vary significantly across generations. Among young adults (18–29), only 28.6% of women and 49% of men agree that a woman’s primary duty is to care for her family rather than pursue professional development. But this belief becomes more common with age.

Background

The Sweden-funded UN Joint Programme for Gender Equality tackles gender disparities across Georgia—from political and economic participation to sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence, and harmful practices. The programme is implemented jointly by UNDP, UNFPA, and UN Women.

Media Contacts

• Sophie Tchitchinadze, UNDP, +995 599 196907, sophie.tchitchinadze@undp.org
• Elene Sakvarelidze, UNDP, +995 599 003944, elene.sakvarelidze@undp.org