Meet Shorena Donadze, a 20-year-old student of business and economics at Tbilisi State University. Shorena works as a motorcycle courier to earn extra income during her studies.Due to stereotypes about what constitutes “mens work and “womens work, the courier services sector is still dominated by men.
Shorena is one of the small but growing number of Georgian women working to smash this stereotype. When the COVID-19 pandemic moved her classes online, Shorena found that she had a more flexible schedule and more time to earn extra income as a courier.
She has also focused on helping people in need during the pandemic, starting a Facebook group that brings together civically-minded young people.Before coming to university, Shorena was actively engaged in USAIDs Momavlis Taoba (“Future Generation) program, which promotes civic education in public schools across Georgia. Shorena participated in the USAID-supported civics club at Public School №177 in Tbilisi.
Some of her notable activities included participating in a technology competition and working with children at a nearby orphanage. “I think civic education is extremely important for school students. My participation in civics projects helped me to become independent in decision making, to think and learn deeply about such topics as women rights, choosing ones career, equality, and active citizenship. I think that the knowledge gained through civics club activities helped me to become a more courageous and independent person says Shorena.Today, when Shorena isnt studying or working as a motorcycle courier, she is an active part of the university community, participating in student self-governance and supporting the professional development of her peers. And while Shorena is already smashing stereotypes, she has bigger plans for the future. After finishing her studies, she plans to start her own business, joining Georgias growing ranks of innovative women entrepreneurs.
