Women in Abkhazia

Abkhazian women, particularly those of older age, are traditionally portrayed as peacemakers, decision makers, and mediators in times of combat and conflict. While they play a very active role in civil society, they are not widely represented in governmental structures.[1] At present, Abkhazian women are more active as participants in the realm of business and in activities related to establishing organizations for women in their country.[2][3]

History

During the war in 1992–1993, Abkhazian women faced a variety of insecurities and acted as primary responders to the conflict.[1] Women served as combatants, worked in military hospitals as nurses and doctors, were correspondents on the front lines, and helped refugees to survive.[1] In the post-war period, women were responsible for building social life and even setting up small enterprises while Abkhazia faced heavy economic sanctions.[1]

In March 1999, the Association of Women of Abkhazia (AWA) was established in Sukhum with a mission to protect women's rights and strengthen their social and political position.[1] Local NGOs later successfully lobbied for the law "On ensuring equal rights and opportunities for men and women in the Republic of Abkhazia," which came into force in 2009.[1]

Political participation

Despite their active role in civil society, women's participation in mainstream politics is often restricted by traditional gender roles and socio-economic burdens.[1] Representation in the Parliament has seen a downturn; while five women were elected to the 1996–2002 parliament, only one female deputy—serving as deputy speaker—was in office as of 2012.[1]

In the executive branch, women have occupied roles as deputy prime minister and have headed ministries such as Justice and Labor & Social Development.[1] While no woman has ever been nominated for the presidency, women stood as candidates for vice-president in 2004 and 2011.[1] Barriers include stereotypes regarding women's roles as mothers and housewives, leading to a tendency for women to be taken less seriously as actors in public life.[1]

  • An Abkhazian girl, 1881.
  • A young Abkhazian woman, before 1899.
  • An older Abkhazian woman, c. 1890s.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k OSCE, Gender Equality in Abkhazia, 2 October 2012. [cite: 1, 4]
  2. ^ Gogoryan, Anaid. "Four women in parliament not an achievement, but a disgrace", says leading member Archived 2021-01-11 at the Wayback Machine, Abkhazia's Women Lament Under-Representation, Caucasus, CRS Issue 583, March 18, 2011, iwpr.net
  3. ^ Abkhazia’s Women Lament Under-Representation, Institute for War and Peace Reporting, March 18, 2011, unhcr.org (accessed on May 1, 2011)
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