1833-1895
Barbare Eristavi-Jorjadze is considered the first women writer who started to speak about the conditions and rights of women. Her letter worth noting with regard to the issue of women’s equality, titled “Coupe of Words for the Attention of Young Men,” was published in the Kvali magazine in 1893.
Barbare Jorjadze started her literary activity in 1858, by publishing her poems in the Tsiskari magazine. Despite public criticism of her works, she continued her literary activity. Barbare Jorjadze cooperated with editions Iveria, Kvali, Droeba and Jejili. In 1861, when the issue of modernization of the Georgian language became a subject of hot discussions, she engaged in debates with Ilia Chavchacadze.
Barbare Jorjadze’s play, “What I looked for and What I found,” was performed on various stages during many years. Her book, “Complete Cuisine,” which was printed in Ekvtime Kheladze’s printing house in 1874 and comprised of Georgian and European culinary recipes, is popular to date.
Coupe of Words for the Attention of Young Men
Author: Barbare Jorjadze
“From the very first man, every male was and is engaged in criticizing women; they attributed every vice to women and spared no efforts to offend and humiliate them.
“This was how it went on for many centuries and no one paid attention to the conditions of women save our Lord Jesus Christ who materialized only for the aim to save the mankind and who said: “there is neither male nor female.” But alas! Having chosen a path once, the men believed that deviating from it was against their belief.
“But that oppression of poor women still failed to dull their talent or the ability to reason: although lacking education, they still could clearly formulate their opinions, discuss matters in their native language and conduct activities. Who else but women were engaged in promoting education and spreading literacy when men were relying on weapons to defend their homeland?
“Today, the new times of education and revival have already arrived from other countries to Georgia too. It is high time for men to reject their arrogance and jealousy, to provide their sisters with equal learning opportunities and show directions in order to enable younger, modern women to act and be accountable for their acts, because we, older women, are hopeless in this regard. And women of the new generation will not fear any activity or job and will make their contributions to any cause.”
The Kvali newspaper, issue #16,
18 April, 1893
Countess Barbara Jorjadze
Author: An. Tumanishvili-Tsereteli
“Even though countess Barbare Jorjadze obtained education in her family, her reasoning would surprise many contemporary persons with European education. Before her death, Barbare Jorjadze sent me a letter concerning the upbringing of Georgian women in general and it was hard to believe that this letter was written by an old lady who got education at home alone.”
The Kvali newspaper, issue #17,
16 April 1895