On November 14, 2024, the Bulgarian Fund for Women (BFW) will celebrate its 20th anniversary with an international conference titled “Feminism is for All.” The event will bring together a diverse community of organizations, activists, collectives, partners, supporters, donors, institutional and political representatives, business and academic leaders, media professionals, and decision-makers who have supported BFW’s work over the years. 

The conference will feature a report highlighting BFW’s impact from 2004 to 2024, alongside a discussion on the development of the feminist movement in Bulgaria during the past two decades. The event will also explore what a fairer, more equal world looks like—a world where women’s and girls’ voices are heard, and their choices are respected. 

Experts from civil society organizations in Bulgaria, Georgia, and Belgium, as well as representatives from the business and political sectors, will join artists to discuss the challenges facing civil society in Europe today. Together, they will envision a future full of hope, where gender equality is a reality and everyone enjoys a life of dignity and happiness. 

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Conference Program: 

08:30 – 09:30 | Registration and Coffee 

09:30 – 10:00 | Opening Ceremony 

• Maria Kasimova-Moase, Writer 

• Stanimira Hadzhimitova, Member of the Board of Trustees, Bulgarian Fund for Women 

• Nadejda Dermendjieva and Gergana Kutseva, Co-Directors, Bulgarian Fund for Women 

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10:00 – 11:30 | Panel 1: 20 Years of the Women’s Rights Movement in Bulgaria 

This panel will reflect on the past 20 years of the women’s rights movement in Bulgaria, examining its achievements, setbacks, and evolution. It will explore the movement’s current cohesion, the role of solidarity, and the influence of key players like the Bulgarian Women’s Fund, the country’s only feminist donor, in shaping the movement. 

The panel will also feature the presentation of the Impact Report of the Bulgarian Fund for Women (BFW), which reflects on its work and influence over the last two decades. The report will be presented by Asst. Dr. Lea Vaisova, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. 

Panelists: 

• Kamelia Tseneva, Chairperson, Lespectra Association 

• Maria Nikolova, Vice-Chair, Hayaci Association 

• Olga Mineva, Founder, Emprove Foundation 

Moderator: Gergana Kutseva, Co-Director, Bulgarian Fund for Women   

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11:30 – 12:00 | Coffee Break 

12:00 – 13:30 | Panel 2: Civil Society Today: Challenges and Opportunities 

Civil society in Europe is facing unprecedented challenges, including social divisions, shrinking space, attacks, hate speech, and a growing lack of trust. This panel will explore why certain communities are more vulnerable and under attack than others, and why the anti-gender movement is so strong, well-funded, and politically influential. It will also address why those most committed to defending rights are increasingly labeled as ‘foreign agents’ in their own countries. The discussion will focus on how civil society can unite to create a better future for all and where hope can be found in these challenging times. 

Panelists: 

• Diana Dimova, Founder and Chair, Mission Wings Foundation 

• Esther Martinez, Director, RECLAIM, Belgium 

• Krasimira Velichkova, Candidate for MP, 51st National Assembly, PP “We Continue the Change” 

• Nino Ugrekelidze, Co-Founder, Dalan Fund, Georgia 

Moderator: Nadejda Dermendjieva, Co-Director, Bulgarian Fund for Women   

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13:30 – 15:30 | Networking Time, Lunch, and “Human Rights Bingo” 

15:30 – 17:00 | Panel 3: The Next 20: What Does the Ideal World Look Like for Women? 

This panel will focus on the future, asking how women envision the ideal world in the next 20 years. What does that future look like, and what roles will the state, business, and civil society play in advancing women’s rights? Can companies serve as role models for institutions? Additionally, what is the role of artists in this process, and are their voices being heard? 

Panelists: 

• Albena Baeva, Artist 

• Boryana Yovcheva, Actress and Blogger 

• Veneta Dimitrova, Managing Director for Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, AVON 

• Iliana Balabanova, President of the European Women’s Lobby (EWL) and Co-Founder and Chair of the Bulgarian Platform of the EWL 

Moderator: Maria Kasimova-Moase, Writer   

17:00 – 17:30 | Closing Performance | Ally Witch 

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Event Details: 

When: November 14, 2024 (Thursday), 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM 

Where: Grand Hotel Astoria, G.A. Totleben 8, Sofia (formerly Rodina Hotel) 

The event is free to attend, but registration is required. The registration deadline is November 12, 2024. 

Registration link: https://forms.office.com/e/SAz1SSsUji 

We look forward to seeing you there!