Abkhazian women, particularly those of older age, are traditionally portrayed as peacemakers, decision makers, and mediators in times of combat and conflict. While they play a very active role in civil society, they are not widely represented in governmental structures. At present, Abkhazian women are more active as participants in the realm of business and in activities related to establishing organizations for women in their country.
During the war in 1992âÂÂ1993, Abkhazian women faced a variety of insecurities and acted as primary responders to the conflict. Women served as combatants, worked in military hospitals as nurses and doctors, were correspondents on the front lines, and helped refugees to survive. In the post-war period, women were responsible for building social life and even setting up small enterprises while Abkhazia faced heavy economic sanctions.
In March 1999, the Association of Women of Abkhazia (AWA) was established in Sukhum with a mission to protect women's rights and strengthen their social and political position. Local NGOs later successfully lobbied for the law "On ensuring equal rights and opportunities for men and women in the Republic of Abkhazia," which came into force in 2009.
Despite their active role in civil society, women's participation in mainstream politics is often restricted by traditional gender roles and socio-economic burdens. Representation in the Parliament has seen a downturn; while five women were elected to the 1996âÂÂ2002 parliament, only one female deputyâÂÂserving as deputy speakerâÂÂwas in office as of 2012.
In the executive branch, women have occupied roles as deputy prime minister and have headed ministries such as Justice and Labor & Social Development. While no woman has ever been nominated for the presidency, women stood as candidates for vice-president in 2004 and 2011. Barriers include stereotypes regarding women's roles as mothers and housewives, leading to a tendency for women to be taken less seriously as actors in public life.