Georgia’s Protests: Women, Resistance, and a Hijacked Future

Editor’s Note: 

Georgia’s protests represent a critical moment in the nation’s history, reflecting its struggle for democracy and European identity. This article includes an interview with a digital media strategist whose personal story encapsulates the broader struggles faced by activists. RNW Media calls on relevant authorities to uphold the rights of journalists and media makers, especially in conflict and politically unstable environments. 

By Marwa Azelmat, Digital Rights Expert, RNW Media

In the chaos of Georgia’s ongoing protests, few voices have been as relentless as Dodie Kharkheli’s. A digital strategist, blogger, and mother, Dodie has faced police intimidation, raids, and personal loss—all without backing down. “If they thought fear would silence me,” she says, “they miscalculated.” 

When the Georgian Dream (GD) government announced in November 2024 that it would pause EU negotiations until 2028, it wasn’t just a political betrayal. It was a declaration of war on Georgia’s European identity. The country’s constitution enshrines its European path, and the people have consistently shown their commitment to that vision. GD’s decision was a breaking point, and the protests that followed have grown into a national movement. 

For Dodie, this fight is deeply personal. Last spring, her ex-husband, a respected blogger who had gained the trust of over 50,000 followers for his coverage of the war in Ukraine, was detained on fabricated charges. His real crime? Being a credible voice against the regime. Then, in December, the crackdown came for her. 

After dropping off her three-year-old at kindergarten, Dodie was ambushed by police who demanded her apartment keys. “They wanted to raid my home without me there,” she says. When she resisted, they dragged her back to her house, where they attempted to break in. Only the swift action of a neighbor, who livestreamed the incident on Facebook, stopped them from carrying out their plan. “They took everything—my laptop, my phones, even my child’s play console. It wasn’t about what they found. It was about intimidation.” 

Dodie wasn’t alone. That same night, other activists faced similar raids. “It was a scary tactic,” she says. “But it made me stronger, angrier. They think fear will stop us but fear only works if you let it—and we won’t.” 

The protests aren’t just about defiance; they’re also about truth. Georgia’s media is deeply polarized. While a few independent outlets strive for neutrality, most major networks are entrenched in political agendas. Pro-government channels downplay the scale of the protests, even ignoring crowds of hundreds of thousands. In one instance, a pro-GD channel showed empty streets while protesters filled them. 

According to the Media Freedom Index, Georgia’s media landscape remains pluralistic but heavily polarized, reflecting the deep political divides in the country (Media Freedom Index report). The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) similarly highlights the challenges faced by independent journalism in Georgia amid increasing political pressures (UNDP Georgia Press Release). 

Online, the situation is even grimmer. As a digital communication strategist, Dodie has seen firsthand how the regime manipulates narratives. “GD pours millions into disinformation campaigns, using thousands of bots and fake accounts to attack activists and flood platforms with propaganda,” she explains. “On TikTok, they glorify the police with dramatic, heroic videos set to emotional music. For people who don’t understand how propaganda works, it can be convincing. But we counter it with truth—and truth still resonates.” 

The demands of the protesters are clear: 

1. Free all political prisoners: Activists arrested during protests are being held on trumped-up charges with no evidence of wrongdoing. 

1. Hold new elections: The current government has lost legitimacy in the eyes of its people, and restoring trust requires a fresh start. 

What makes these protests extraordinary is the people behind them—especially women. Women are at the forefront, using their visibility and courage as both a shield and a weapon. Dodie explains how women have learned to protect male protesters from detention. “When we see the police coming for someone, we cling to them, surround them, and pull them away. It’s not heroism—it’s survival.” 

For Dodie, the fight is about more than politics. “This isn’t just about elections,” she says. “It’s about who we are as a nation. Are we European, or are we a regime’s puppet? That’s what we’re fighting for.” 

Dodie’s defiance is emblematic of the movement itself—fueled by anger, resilience, and an unshakable belief in Georgia’s future. “This fight is brutal. It’s cost me my peace, my safety, and my family’s sense of security. But I’ve gained something more important: a community that refuses to back down. This is Georgia’s fight for its soul—and we will win.”