Lika Shartava, Deputy Chair of the Culture Committee, and Zurab Rurua, Deputy Chair of the Sports Committee, are participating in the conference “Advancing Parity: Overcoming Barriers of Gender Stereotypes and Negative Social Norms”, organized by the IPU and taking place in Belgrade.

Conference participants discussed issues related to the promotion of gender equality and the implementation of relevant standards.

During the panel discussion entitled “Barriers to Achieving Parity: Stereotypes and Negative Social Norms,” Lika Shartava spoke about the legislative and institutional measures undertaken by Georgia over the past decade.

The Member of Parliament highlighted the State Concept on Women’s Economic Empowerment, adopted in 2023, which is aligned with the priorities of the EU–Georgia Association Agenda. The discussion also addressed the strengthening of women’s rights, gender equality, pathways to women’s economic empowerment, and measures aimed at preventing violence.

According to Lika Shartava, despite the progress achieved, stereotypes, discrimination, and disinformation remain significant challenges to women’s participation in politics and to democratic development. She emphasized that overcoming these challenges requires deeper cooperation within international parliamentary platforms.

The conference, taking place in Belgrade from 2 to 4 June, has brought together 420 parliamentarians from 65 countries, as well as the Speakers of the Parliaments of Serbia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Hungary.