Ceramicist Ledi Shpetishvili’s brand Redo, which has been creating unique ceramic products for the past two years, is among the 200 women-led businesses featured at EXPO 2025 – the largest exhibition and sale dedicated to women entrepreneurs in Georgia.
“Participating in the Expo is a new and joyful challenge for me,” says Ledi. “I’m glad that we, women entrepreneurs, have the opportunity to make our work public and maybe even serve as an example for many beginners. It’s a happiness to serve the work you love. I’m delighted that I got the chance to participate in EXPO 2025 and introduce my brand to more people.”
Held on 13–14 September at Expo Georgia, the event marked its fourth successful year. Organized by UN Women with the support of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and the European Union, the exhibition brought together women from across the country, many from marginalized groups including survivors of gender-based violence, residents of remote mountainous regions, and refugees from Ukraine.
This year, a special emphasis was placed on sustainability, with many businesses highlighting recycled and environmentally friendly goods
The exhibition showcased an impressive variety of products – from food and wine to handicrafts, toys, eco-friendly décor, accessories, beauty items, and more. This year, a special emphasis was placed on sustainability, with many businesses highlighting recycled and environmentally friendly goods.
EXPO 2025 was more than just a marketplace – it was a vibrant community gathering. Family-friendly spaces offered educational and entertainment activities for children, along with areas for food and live music. Pavilion #11 even welcomed returning brand Épidote, known for its handmade jewelry crafted from natural stones, and featured Tviti, a local creator of children’s furniture and toys.
Guests were also invited to explore the rich cultural traditions of Upper Adjara through the intricate embroideries of Khatuna Kharabadze and Medea Beridze, women entrepreneurs from the highland region of Khulo, showcasing textiles distinguished by their unique colors and techniques.
The event welcomed several high-ranking guests, including Belen Sanz Luque, UN Women Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia; Nicolas Sendrowicz, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Georgia; Bergljot Hovland, Ambassador of Norway to Georgia; and Alkis Vryenios Drakinos, Regional Director for the Caucasus at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
In addition to the exhibition, a panel discussion on financial inclusion addressed the vital role banks and microfinance institutions play in expanding women’s access to economic opportunities.
The initiative is part of the UN Women project Good Governance for Gender Equality in Georgia, funded by the Government of Norway. The event was made possible through a broad coalition of partners including NORAD, the EU, EBRD, Asian Development Bank (ADB), GIZ, TBC Bank, Crystal Microfinance, MBC Microfinance, the Georgian Farmers’ Association, Business and Technology University, and Expo Georgia.
By Team GT
