Eka Gigauri

Eka Gigauri (; born 14 April 1978) is a Georgian civil society leader and human rights advocate. Since 2010 she has served as Executive Director of Transparency International Georgia, and has previously held roles on the Global Board of Directors of Transparency International.

She studied International Relations at Tbilisi State University, earned an MBA at the Caucasus School of Business, and an LLM in International Law from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. and an executive course at Harvard Business School.

Under her leadership the organisation expanded its investigative capacity, opened regional offices, and launched civic programmes on transparency and accountability. Exposés on corruption risks in the judiciary, including politically-influenced case assignment and non-transparent judge selection. Analyses of party funding and procurement, including circular donor schemes and pressure on contributors to the ruling party. Monitoring of procurement and media finance involving pro-government media including Imedi TV.

Her leadership has helped TI Georgia become one of the most reliable civil society institutions in Georgia and a significant contributor to democratic oversight.

She also helped initiate the This Affects You – They Are Still Listening campaign, which pushed for stronger rules against illegal surveillance and political wiretapping.

Since 2023, Gigauri has been one of the most visible leaders opposing Georgia’s proposed foreign agents legislation. She has warned that the bill would derail European integration, restrict civil society and stigmatise critical voices. In interviews, she emphasised compliance with EU standards and the danger of copying Russian-style legislation.

Targeted repression and international advocacy International organisations have documented political pressure on Transparency International Georgia and other civil society groups.

Memberships and advisory roles Member, Board of Directors, Transparency International (two terms) Board member, Coalition for Euro-Atlantic Georgia Member, Presidential Pardon Commission of Georgia Ex officio Board Member, ICC Georgia