“Alaneli” International Association of Ossetian Women Living in Georgia

The International Association of Ossetian Women Living in Georgia works to strengthen relations between ethnic Georgian women and Ossetian women. It was established in 2003 by ethnic Ossetian women living in Georgia.

Objectives

To strengthen the friendship between Georgian women and Ossetian women living in Georgia;
To strengthen relations between ethnic Georgian internally displaced women and Ossetian women living in Georgia, and supporting their participation in conflict resolution processes;
To participate actively in the resolution of Georgian-Ossetian conflict;
To support the integration of ethnic Ossetians in Georgian society while maintaining the native language and national identity;
To support cultural and economic ties with ethnic Ossetian women living abroad.

Activities

From 2005 to 2008, the organisation published a newspaper for children entitled '12 Doves'. The newspaper was financially supported by the US Department of State and was distributed across the country, including in South Ossetia.

In 2007, the International Association of Ossetian Women Living in Georgia, in partnership with the Centre for Civil Integration and Inter-Ethnic Relations, and with the financial support of the Open Society - Georgia has developed and published the Georgian-Ossetian dictionary. Linguists from Tbilisi, Tskhinvali and North Ossetia were involved in the writing process.

In 2010, the organisation implemented the project 'Assisting Women Leaders in Ethnically Ossetian Populated Areas', supported by the Eurasia Partnership Foundation through its USAID-funded project. The project involved intensive empowerment trainings and covered 3 districts of Georgia - Dusheti, Akhmeta and Lagodekhi. As part of the project, 'Handbook for Women Leaders' was developed and distributed to local communities. The book included definitions of civic and political terms as well as recommendations on becoming a women leader.

In 2015 the organisation published the 'Practical Handbook of Ossetian Language for Universities'. The project was financed by the Rustaveli Foundation.

The Association is currently seeking partners and donors for its initiative to establish the Centre of Ossetian Culture in Tbilisi.