Human Rights Café – Georgia at a Crossroad: Democratic Backsliding and Its Impact on Women’s Rights

Georgia at a Crossroad: Democratic Backsliding and Its Impact on Women’s Rights

After years of democratic backsliding, Georgia experienced a rapid shift to authoritarianism throughout the year of 2025. Regulations such as those making the work of non-governmental organizations more difficult and actively propagating against LGBTQ people signal a clear distancing from liberal democratic standards and a closer alignment with Russia’s authoritarian style of government. While the ruling party Georgian Dream is enforcing repressive legislation, the society is responding with peaceful protests, showing a determined and inclusive resilience against the regime. Women are particularly affected by the newly introduced regulations: democratic erosion weakens the legal protections, civil society networks, and accountability mechanisms that safeguard women’s rights – increasing the likelihood that gender-based violence goes unaddressed, reproductive rights are curtailed, and women’s political participation is systematically marginalized.

This development is of particular relevance to European states, human rights actors and concerned citizens, as it raises urgent questions about the future of democratic governance on the European continent and the protection of fundamental rights in countries aspiring to closer European Integration.

Programme

We will hear a personal perspective from Moreta Bobokhidze, a Georgian women’s rights expert and activist, followed by contextual analysis from Eva Zillén from Kvinna till Kvinna. The event will conclude with an open Q&A and discussion, focusing in particular on the question of what responsibility we hold – as a European country, as human rights actors, and as citizens in solidarity. Moderator: Emma Sundqvist.

When?

26 March, 17:30 – 18:45 

Where?

Enskilda Högskolan Stockholm, Room 219
Åkeshovsvägen 29, 168 39 Bromma.