This project offers an updated review of how the practice of gender-biased sex selection has been evolving in Georgia and explores different aspects influencing sex ratio at birth and the factors leading to son-preference in families.

After independence from the Soviet Union, Georgia started experiencing a significant rise in the number of boys born compared with the number of girls, the sex ratio at birth (SRB). As of 2004 Georgia had one of the highest sex ratio at birth rates in the world, but by 2016 the ratio was at the biologically normal level. The country’s unique position provides valuable knowledge and experience. This country profile offers an updated review of how the practice of gender-biased sex selection has been evolving in Georgia and explores different aspects influencing sex ratio at birth behavior. It identifies the root causes, determinants and consequences of the practice of gender-biased sex selection, as well as policy measures taken to eliminate this harmful practice and its root cause, which is gender inequality and son preference.

Implementation of the Global Programme to Prevent Son Preference and Gender-biased Sex Selection is closely coordinated with the UN Joint Programme for Gender Equality in Georgia (2016–2020, funded by the Government of Sweden) and implemented by UNFPA together with UNDP and UN Women. The UNFPA component addresses gender-biased sex selection prevention within the framework of harmful practices’ prevention. In addition to supporting the research on GBSS in Georgia, the UN Joint Programme for Gender Equality in Georgia encompasses conducting the communication campaign on son preference and gender-biased sex selection prevention, in collaboration with the World Bank. This communication campaign will be expanded through the support of the Global Programme to Prevent Son Preference and Undervaluing of Girls.