**Shifting Attitudes on Gender Roles in Georgia**
Two new studies have found that attitudes towards gender roles are changing in Georgia, with younger generations increasingly supporting equality. However, traditional views still persist among older generations.
The studies were presented at a conference hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in March. They showed mixed views on gender roles, but overall, a shift towards more progressive attitudes.
**Progressive Views Among Younger Generations**
Young people in Georgia are more likely to support equality between men and women. In one of the studies, only 28% of women and 49% of men aged 18-29 believed that a woman’s primary duty is caregiving. This compared to 67% of women and 77% of men over 55 who held this view.
**Employment Stereotypes**
The second study found that many Georgians still hold stereotypes about employment. For example, 48% believe that men should be given priority for employment when work is scarce. Women under the age of 35 are most concerned about equal pay and an egalitarian division of roles at home and work.
**Women in Politics**
A majority of respondents (63%) believed that increased female participation in politics would be beneficial, but nearly half (50%) personally believe that men make better political leaders than women. There is also a perception gap: while 38% think their community prefers having a boy over a girl, only 13% prefer boys themselves.
**Intersectional Discrimination**
The studies found that ethnic minority women, women with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals face significant barriers in finding skilled jobs. In fact, nearly half of surveyed Georgians (47%) said it is difficult for women to find skilled jobs.
**Government Initiatives**
The research was conducted amidst controversy over government initiatives on gender equality. The ruling party has proposed replacing the term “gender equality” with “equality between women and men”, removing the definition of “gender” from legislation, and abolishing mandatory gender quotas in politics.
These moves have raised concerns about freedom of media and expression, as well as a potential threat to women’s rights. Women’s groups have responded with protests, stating that such actions would undermine efforts towards true equality between men and women.