Georgian Woman Wins Sexual Harassment Court Battle Over Employer

Tatia Samkharadze, a 25-year-old TV host, has become the first Georgian woman to sue her boss for sexual harassment. 

Following the accusations made against her boss, Shalva Ramishvili, he has been ordered to pay 2000 GEL in compensation. 

Ramishvili was ordered to pay for non-pecuniary damages, but was acquitted of the pecuniary part. Although the court only partially sustained the claim, Georgian human rights workers said that this was “an unprecedented case.” The say that the important thing is that the court assesses the case as sexual harassment. 

Baia Pataraia, a leading women’s rights advocate and the executive director of the Sapari union, said she hopes that the case will make it easier for women to come forward in the future. 

“[I hope] this case will set a precedent for other victims of sexual harassment, so that they won’t be afraid of filing lawsuits against their abusers”. 

Samkharadze expressed her satisfaction with the court ruling. 

“The most important part was that the court confirmed the fact of sexual harassment and imposed compensation for non-pecuniary damages. I think it’s important for any person who has ever faced such a problem,” Samkharadze told reporters. 

Meanwhile, Ramishvili claims that he was the winner. “The matter had nothing to do with either discrimination or sexual harassment,’ he said.

By Tom Day