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Are Georgian women limited in their career options?

Wednesday, February 13
“Georgian women are definitely limited in their career options, because often women will have a family early, which rules out a career.”
Nino, manager, 27

“The reasons why Georgian women have limited career options are early marriages, children and family. But the situation has changed, of course. Today’s girls try to be more independent; the trend of the ‘busy woman’ is coming. Georgian girls are involving themselves in careers, and often busy career women won’t leave themselves time to make a family.”
Natia, dentist, 33

“Georgian men have an Asian mentality, thinking that women must be at home and taking care of the family. But fortunately, this is changing. A lot of Georgian women are in high positions, like headmistresses, doctors…the best example is Nino Burjanadze, who’s speaker of parliament and twice was acting president of the country.”
Maka, philologist, 25

“Yes, of course—it’s Georgia. We have different kinds of fathers, husbands and brothers than other countries. They want their women at home and nowhere else.”
Nino, teacher, 21

“No, a real woman shouldn’t be limited. Georgian people have different notions about what a woman’s job should be, but if you want to do something, you should just do it.”
Beka, footballer, 22

“Women often whine that they don’t have the chance to do this or that. But they’re just cheating themselves. If one wants something, one should do it.”
Bela, housewife, 35

“I don’t think Georgian women are limited. I remember how it was in Soviet Georgia—but I’ve never had problems. I’m an actress and my family has always supported me.”
Sopo, actress, 27

“I’ve always been an independent person, and I chose my career independently. Not even my mother interfered in my decision.”
Tiko, student, 21

“When I was passing my university exams I wanted to be a journalist, but my parents were against it, so I studied medicine. Even now I dream of being a journalist, but I have a nurse’s degree. I don’t work because I don’t like my profession.”
Viola, housewife, 34