"This project is very important for women entrepreneurs, because it makes us see life in a different and more positive way thus now, we have hope for a better future."

Lali Gurgenidze is an entrepreneur from Asureti the old former German settlements in Georgia (Elisabethzaal) in Tetritskaro municipality. Her family owns a two-centuries-old wine cellar that was left by the Germans where Lali produces wine called Asuretuli Shavi. Asuretuli Shavi, a minor red grape variety was once popular with German colonists native to the well-known Kartli region. The name generally means “black from Asureti” that was discovered growing in the wild woods near the German settlement of Asureti.

Lali has been producing Georgian-German wine at her home and selling it to her villagers for a while. However, she always had the dream to expand her business selling her wine as well outside of her village. With the support of the project “Women’s Economic Empowerment through Social Mobilization and Capacity Building (WEE)”, Lali was able to achieve her goal. Under the WEE project, Lali started bottling wine and selling it more effectively. “I always wanted to bottle wine and expand my production. I am very grateful to UN Women for helping me to fulfill my wishes”. 

At the Christmas fair that was held within the framework of the WEE project in December, Lali had the chance to promote her bottled wine. All her bottles were sold both by locals and tourists.

Lali is actively engaged in entrepreneurial activities. She believes that the training provided within the project helped her to improve the relevant knowledge and skills to expand her business. She gained experience in writing her business plan and to evaluate the case objectively. Now, Lali is prepared for making her business more successful. She stated that it is very important to have an active and strong woman in the community. “In my community, men are mostly unemployed, so women take care of the family. Therefore, when a woman is strong it has a very positive impact on her family and community”.

 As Lali`s bottled wine was promoted at Christmas fair and produced good results, she decided to continue her activities and now cooperates with various stores and restaurants.