Irine Kherkheulidze

Mere interpretation of criminal code provisions will never lead us to the eradication of the rape unless gender sensitive nature of this crime is perceived, and its gendered discriminating context is understood by the policymakers, academics, judges, and other related stakeholders. However, none of the strategies will work unless the inequality as a core problem, creating coercive atmosphere, is taken into the account both, during the elaboration of the draft law or adjudication of a case on sexual assault.

Academic research, conducted for the purpose of protecting women from sexual violence through examining and questioning the legal and social dimensions of the issue, contributes significantly to gender equality. Receiving an award letter from DAAD-Stiftung for this important endeavor reaffirmed Germany's commitment to advancing gender equality and combating discrimination against women – core goals of a democratic European country.

Additionally, as a researcher who has focused on women's issues for over a decade, this recognition provides me with another valuable opportunity to explore and reflect upon the pressing issue of sexual violence. My previous academic work has centered on topics such as domestic violence, prostitution, women's sex trafficking, sexual harassment, and female genital mutilation. These studies have consistently taken the form of comparative research, aligning with international legal frameworks related to each respective topic.

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The intensive study of literature as a basis for in depth analyses

My two-month research stay at Germany's premier educational institution has had a significant impact on the depth, novelty, and practicality of my research, serving as the cornerstone for further advancements in the field.

During my time as a researcher and visiting scholar at the European University Viadrina, working closely under the guidance of my host professor, the highly accomplished international law expert and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Dr. Carmen Thiele, I further solidified our long-standing academic collaboration.

While my prior experience teaching courses under the "Erasmus Plus" program at Viadrina University allowed me to engage with students through classroom discussions, my current research stay, generously supported by the DAAD-Stiftung, has opened the door to productive collaboration with my colleagues – professionals from both academic and practical backgrounds, such as German law professors (in the field of criminal law and international law) and judges.

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Irine Kherkheulidze (right) at an event

Upon leaving Frankfurt (Oder), I returned to Georgia, having forged valuable connections with German counterparts – distinguished law professors and judges who generously dedicated their time to discussing the central themes of my research topic from a German perspective. I deeply appreciate their insights and collaboration.

In addition to my thorough desk research, which I conducted at the library of the European University Viadrina, and my expert interviews with a criminal law professor at Viadrina University and a senior judge from the district court of Frankfurt (Oder) – as integral components of my empirical research – I also established close working relationships with various German academic and educational institutions. These included the "Staatsbibliothek" in Berlin and the "Deutsche Institut für Menschenrechte."

Such collaborations significantly enhanced the quality and applicability of my research, particularly in the context of developing sound policies due to granted access to the unique and valuable sources together with counselling with the honorable staff of the (DIFM).

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Irine Kherkheulidze in front of the Humboldt University, framed by impressions of a library

After collecting my materials at the library, I was able to take a guided walking tour about the Third Reich and World War II. At the same night I had an opportunity to go to the Tempelhofer Feld for the public observation of the stars and planets during the Long Night of Astronomy. My favourite Berlin looked even more adorable with sparkling celestial bodies over Berlin’s marvellous sky. The event was a part of the Berlin 2023 Cultural Summer Festival and was presented by the Stiftung Planetarium Berlin, amateur astronomers as well as astronomical promotion associations.

The conclusion of my scholarship did not signal the end of my work or the abandonment of my research on the issue. On the contrary, I continue to meaningfully apply and integrate all the research sources I gathered through library and empirical research. These sources are now being utilized to develop an academic article (Editor's note: The paper was finalized and published after this report was written.) on the topic of sexual violence, which I anticipate will be published in one of the law journals.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to my host professor, Dr. Carmen Thiele. She has been instrumental in arranging constant meetings and academic discussions related to my research topic, providing invaluable advice on how to proceed. Owing to her support, I felt almost at home during my time at the European University Viadrina. I was equipped with a university-bound email account and a keycard for a personal room in Logenhaus at Logenstraße 11, 15230 Frankfurt (Oder). This room was part of the university campus, with a beautiful garden outdoors and a cozy working environment inside the building.

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The "Dritte Reich Tour" leads to the sites of the past

The research conducted at the European University Viadrina, involving meaningful interviews with academics and practitioners in the field of criminal law, serves as a substantial resource for understanding the amended German sexual assault laws in the context of the country's implementation of the Istanbul Convention. Simultaneously, it provides valuable insights for Georgian legislators who are considering, albeit belatedly, amendments to the Criminal Code of Georgia concerning sexual violence crimes, aligning them with the Istanbul Convention and drawing from the experiences of German scholars, professors, legal practitioners, and policymakers.

The close cooperation with my German counterparts, which continues even after the completion of my research stay, is mutually welcomed. We are envisioning prospective conferences on the topic of sexual violence, featuring the participation of professors from my host institution and judges from the district court, alongside Georgian colleagues.

This collaboration represents the ongoing development of our partnership, stemming from my research stay, which became a reality thanks to the support of DAAD-Stiftung and, in particular, my "Stipendien-Pate" who played a pivotal role in realizing my academic goals.

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In front of the entrance to the Lodge House and the globe photographed during the Long Night of Astronomy

From an academic perspective, the generosity of my "Stipendien-Pate" and his commitment to advancing research on gender related issues is highly appreciated. It is both an honor and a significant responsibility to have the trust of individuals in your academic abilities. Therefore, I take this opportunity to publicly thank DAAD-Stiftung for granting me the opportunity to work on my research project at the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt, Germany.

Due to my availability only during the summer holiday period, as I am an active professor teaching at both the Caucasus University School of Law and the law faculty of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University in Georgia, it held particular symbolism for me to participate in two contrasting events at the university alongside my German colleagues. These events marked both the commencement and culmination of my scholarship – farewell parties after the conclusion of the spring semester and welcome gatherings for new freshmen at the start of the fall semester in September. In this continuous cycle of education, I worked tirelessly, fueled by immense enthusiasm and gratitude, and was fortunate to experience the best of both worlds.