Hibatul Hay Sadiyya Ata, Secretary Tabligh, Lajna Imaillah Georgia
Lajna Imaillah Georgia held the 2nd National Women’s Peace Symposium on 8 February 2026 at the Gino Seaside Hotel in Tbilisi.
With this year’s theme, “Women and Interfaith Harmony”, Lajna Imaillah Georgia welcomed 70 attendees, which included 56 external guests from different faiths, backgrounds, cultures and professions, including leaders of different faiths, representatives of the German embassy and the Qatar embassy, journalists, politicians, academics, charity representatives and members from the local communities. The guests were given a tour through an Islam exhibition and had the opportunity to browse through a bookstall with the Jamaat literature in Georgian, English, Russian and Arabic languages.
The event started with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a short introduction of the Jamaat and Lajna Imaillah. This was followed by some greetings from the President of the International Women’s Association, Mrs Maria Fischer; Bishop Rusudan Gotsiridze of the Evangelical Baptist Church in Georgia; and Rebecca Linnhoff, cultural attaché of the German embassy.
The highlight of the evening was the speeches by the panel speakers. The speakers included Pastor Irina Soley of the Evangelical Lutheran Church; Mrs Ilona Levinets, co-founder of the Progressive Judaism Centre Dor L’Dor Georgia; Dr Tamar Grdzelidze, professor of Religious Studies at Ilia State University; and Khola Hübsch Sahiba, German Ahmadi Muslim journalist.
After the speeches, there was a quick feedback round, followed by dinner, during which guests had the opportunity for dialogue and to exchange ideas and ask questions. The points discussed during these conversations included, “Is it obligatory for Muslim women to observe purdah?”, “Equality of men and women in Islam”, “Can peace be achieved by such programmes?”, “Jesus in India”, “The Promised Messiahas”, “Why is there a need for a women’s organisation such as Lajna Imaillah?” and “Whether Islam rejects other religions?”
Maia Rizhvadze said:
“As an ethnic Georgian Muslim, the symposium was motivational for me. It showcased how to build bridges between different religions.”
Natia Kodiashvili said:
“It is my first time at the symposium and I think it is very important, since we need peace. I am happy to be here.”
Nestan Ananidze, a Georgian human rights lawyer, said:
“It was a nice and interesting symposium, which was well organised. I really enjoyed the speeches; they were inspiring and to me, it was a safe space to express our thoughts on that matter.”
Ilona Levinets, a speaker at the symposium, said:
“I am a member of the Peace Synagogue here in Georgia. It was a warm atmosphere today and felt like home. Everyone was able to express themselves.”
Dr Tamar Grdzelidze, Professor of Religious Studies, said:
“It was interesting and inspiring to see women of different religions come together.”
Mrs Maria Fischer, President of the International Women’s Organisation, said:
“I liked that certain parts of the Holy Quran were explained, which are usually not clear to others. I appreciate that the roles of women were explained. I have been to the General Peace Symposium a few years ago and this one was different, since it was organised by women for women.”
