Daniela Draghici
Anush Poghosyan
Anush Poghosyan is graduated from the Department of Psychology and Philosophy of Yerevan State University and received a master’s degree in clinical psychology. During her academic years, she was interested in women’s rights and in particular women’s sexual health issues. Since 2005, she has joined to the “Women’s Resource Center” NGO as a volunteer and since 2008 as an employee of the sexual and reproductive health and rights program. Since 2020, she has been working as the executive director of the organization.
“Women’s Resource Center” NGO is a feminist organization and has been working in the field of women’s rights since 2003. The organization was the only organization in Armenia that addressed the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights since 2003 and raised such important issues as women’s self-determination of their own bodies, the importance of introducing comprehensive sex education, abortion as a fundamental right, access to contraceptive methods and a number of other important issues.
In the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights, the organization carries out individual counseling on sexual health issues, implements large-scale awareness programs, as well as implements advocacy work by changing laws and regulations on reproductive rights law.
With the efforts of the organization, the “Reproductive Rights Advocacy Network” was founded in 2017, the purpose of which is to raise the issues of reproductive rights of women living with HIV, women with disabilities, lesbian, bisexual transgender women. As a result of the joint work of the network, training courses for medical workers are being carried out, the aim of which is to increase the sensitivity of medical workers about the reproductive problems of different groups of women.
Iatamze Verulashvili
Professor Iatamze Verulashvili has been a dedicated educator and advocate in the field of gynecology and obstetrics for over three decades. Since 1989, she has served as a Professor in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the Tbilisi Medical Academy for Post Diploma Education. Additionally, she is the visionary founder and Executive Director of the Union Women’s Center, a pioneering organization based in Tbilisi, Georgia, since 1996.
Mrs. Verulashvili’s commitment to women’s health and rights is exemplified by her longstanding membership in ASTRA since 2002. Her organization, the Union Women’s Center, holds the distinction of being the first in Georgia to address the intersection of reproductive health, human rights, and women’s issues.
A trailblazer in her field, Mrs. Verulashvili played a pivotal role in the founding of prominent organizations such as the Federation of European Menopause Society (FEMS) and the European Cervical Cancer Association (ECCA). She also contributes her expertise as a Coordinating Group expert for the Sexual Violence Research Initiative, a member of AIDS Action Europe, and a board member of the KARAT Coalition.
Since 1968, Mrs. Verulashvili has tirelessly advocated for lifestyle education and sexual and reproductive health and rights, particularly among women, adolescents, and HIV-positive individuals in Georgia. Her efforts encompass providing information on safe abortion, modern contraceptives, and HIV prevention. Notably, she spearheaded initiatives to implement reproductive health and lifestyle education programs in schools and universities. In 2004, she established a Youth Group dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through peer-to-peer programs and advocating for sexuality education in educational institutions.
Mrs. Verulashvili’s influence extends globally, as she is a sought-after speaker at various conferences and a recognized expert in her field. Her tireless advocacy and dedication have left an indelible mark on the advancement of sexual and reproductive health and rights both locally and internationally.
