About Us

Founded on January 28, 2022, by a team of students, the Georgian Association for Equality (GAFE) emerged from a shared determination among its founding members to confront prevalent stereotypes and discriminatory behaviors in university and youth circles. As the pioneering organization in Georgia dedicated to addressing stereotypes in educational institutions and youth communities, GAFE aims to foster an anti-discrimination environment and empower young leaders committed to the principle of equality.

Presently, the organization provides a range of services, including the protection of students' rights, educational initiatives, and awareness-raising activities, fostering a space for the self-development of young individuals. At the core of its activities is the provision of legal support services for students who have experienced discrimination.

As of January 28, 2024, GAFE has successfully executed over 90 activities, involving more than 4,000 students. Members of the organization have actively participated in over 20 television interviews and media publications. GAFE has amassed a social media following exceeding 9,000 and operates eight university equality clubs, uniting up to 200 young people.

To achieve its stated objectives of protecting students' rights and promoting equality, the organization operates through a specialized structure. The GAFE headquarters serves as the overarching organization, overseeing university equality clubs. These clubs, in turn, function as the operational arms of GAFE's goals locally at universities, comprising students from the same university who address local issues.

The club, equipped with its own structure, includes board members and ordinary members. Board members have the responsibility and opportunity to plan and execute various activities throughout the university semester, receiving bilingual certificates of volunteer hours based on their involvement at semester's end.

The Equality Club also extends opportunities for non-members to participate in exclusive events and join the broader GAFE community. Admission to the Equality Club's board occurs on a semester basis, allowing any student to become an ordinary member at any time.

The first Equality Club was established at the National University of Georgia, followed by Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi State Medical University, Caucasus University, Ilia State University, International Black Sea University, Free and Agricultural University, and Eastern European University.

Systematically, Equality Clubs offer students participation in discussions, lectures, debates, and field events, providing valuable insights into issues such as discrimination, labor rights, mental health, and professional orientation. Beyond activities, these clubs foster a comfortable and open environment, encouraging members to freely express their opinions and share their experiences.

In addition to coordinating and supporting university clubs, GAFE initiates diverse projects, advocacy efforts, and communication campaigns targeting a broader audience beyond just students.

The GAFE headquarters organizes field workshops, known as "equality schools" before the university semester begins. During these workshops, equality clubs develop their semester action plans, and new members are onboarded. External meetings within this framework provide training for team members on various topics, including management, budgeting, team building, project writing, human rights, gender equality, and more.