In 2024, the Bulgarian Fund for Women (BFW) celebrates 20 years of advancing feminist causes. As part of this milestone, we are sharing 20 key moments from our history. Enjoy reading!
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hat happens when a group of young women come together with a mission to change the world? You get something like Feminist Boot Camp—a space where the fight for equality and sisterhood is not just a theory, but a way of life.
This is not just an ordinary camp. Feminist Boot Camp is a five-day intensive feminist training program, where girls and young women (ages 18–35) dive into the world of intersectional feminism, organizing projects, and launching campaigns that create real change. As part of BFW’s strategic plan to strengthen youth-led feminist movements, this program has become one of our most significant and beloved initiatives since its launch in 2017.
What Makes a Camp Feminist?
Forget boring lectures and monotonous presentations. Feminist Boot Camp is about real inspiration, hands-on training with leading experts, and unforgettable encounters with activists, educators, and artists. Among the key topics covered are:
- The history of the women’s movement in Bulgaria – from our fighting grandmothers to today’s activists.
- Gender theories and contemporary issues – what equality means today and why we shouldn’t fear “gender.”
- Project work and empowerment – because bold dreams deserve funding and realization.
- Practical skill-building – campaign planning, solidarity networking, and more.
A Space for Connection and Change
The most powerful part? Feminist Boot Camp is a space for true cohesion, empowerment, and trust. Participants not only gain valuable knowledge, but also build friendships and partnerships that often evolve into professional activism. Each camp culminates in project presentations, where BFW provides funding to selected initiatives—because small ideas can lead to big changes.
In June 2022, we hosted the fifth-anniversary edition under the special name „Feminist Boot Camp All Stars“, bringing together participants from all previous editions. 21 girls and women from across Bulgaria gathered to discuss pressing social issues, including domestic and gender-based violence, the feminization of poverty, and the need for health and sexual education in schools.
The event wasn’t just educational—it was deeply inspiring. Bistra Poyukliyska from Trigrad attended with her daughter, supported by BFW, and described the experience as:
„A super energizing and bonding experience and, last but not least – a very protected and, at the same time, large-scale event!“
With each edition, Feminist Boot Camp continues to ignite change, inspire leadership, and strengthen feminist movements in Bulgaria.
Moments from Feminist Boot Camp All Stars през 2022
What Do the Participants Say?
- This was one of the most useful things that has ever happened to me. I found more courage and a sense of belonging.” – Lyubomira Kostova
- „An empowering boost of confidence paired with invaluable team-building skills!“ – Rosena Ivanova
- “A place where you feel protected, inspired, and surrounded by people who want change.” – Bistra Poyukliyska
Some of the Supported Initiatives
„Vagina Matters“ is an illustrated sex education book designed for girls aged 12 to 14. It provides educational information and practical advice on topics such as the body, menstruation, sex, health, and more. The book was developed with input from psychologists, sexual health experts, doctors, midwives, and other specialists to ensure accuracy and relevance. Its authors, Raya Raeva and Svetla Baeva, were both participants in Feminist Boot Camp—Raya in 2018 and Svetla in 2017.
„You Are Not Alone – Together Against Violence“ has been active since 2018, originally founded by Denitsa Stefanova with the support of the Bulgarian Fund for Women. It started as a mutual aid club for women who are currently experiencing domestic violence or have already escaped abusive situations and want to support others by sharing their experiences. Today, the group is managed by The Wake-Up Foundation, continuing its mission to empower survivors and provide a safe space for mutual support and solidarity.
„No Offense, But…“ is an initiative by Manuela Popova, who fearlessly challenges prejudice and discrimination in all its forms—whether based on race, gender, social status, appearance, age, gender identity, or sexuality. The goal? To spark conversations that make people think—and then act. In 2019, Manuela received the special prize „Inspiration of the Year“ at the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee’s „Person of the Year“ awards. Today, she continues to inspire change as the Director and Communications Manager at the Bilitis Foundation.
„Polifem“ is a narrative podcast that explores the lives and professional journeys of significant women in politics. Its creator, Katerina Vasileva, aims to inspire young women and girls to become informed, engaged citizens who can influence political and public life for the better. Katerina holds a degree in Political Science from Sofia University „St. Kliment Ohridski“. She has been working in journalism since 2019 and is currently a journalist at Free Europe. Her interests include social and political issues, culture, media literacy, and women’s rights.
„Golyama Rabota“ is an initiative that connects female artists with professionals from socially significant but undervalued work sectors. It highlights the labor issues within feminized professions, which are often low-paid and stigmatized as secondary. The project engages with workers from fields such as cleaning staff, caregivers, seamstresses, social workers, nurses, babysitters, and housewives, shedding light on their contributions and challenges. Launched in 2020 by Rosena Ivanova in partnership with Dobromira Terpesheva, „Big Work“ explores the intersection of gender, labor, and social justice, fostering dialogue and artistic expression as tools for change.
„Boyna Maika“ is an online platform offering useful information on pregnancy, childbirth, and life with a newborn, alongside humorous and personal stories from Fighting Mother Stella and her daughter, Dara. After experiencing a lack of adequate support and medical care, Stella decided to create a digital space where future parents could find reliable information and emotional support. In 2021, Steliyana founded the Fighting Mother Foundation, which is ideologically and financially supported by the Bulgarian Fund for Women. Through her initiative, she continues to empower and advocate for better maternal care and parental rights.
„Vechernitsa“ is Bulgaria’s first feminist media outlet, launched with the support of the Bulgarian Fund for Women. Today, it is sustained by the team of the Lespectra Foundation—a collective of lesbian and queer women dedicated to feminism, LGBTI liberation, anti-racism, and class struggles. „Vechernitsa“ publishes original articles and interviews that amplify the voices of marginalized communities, with a strong focus on the challenges and experiences of the LGBTI community. Through critical dialogue and storytelling, it continues to be a platform for resistance, empowerment, and social change.
„Paziteki na istorii“ presents the undocumented oral history of elderly women from Bulgaria. The history that our grandmothers keep deep within themselves, but which we will never learn about in school. The history that makes us who we are. Behind it stands the team of Maria Takova (cameraman), Kristina Santana, Pauline Donahue, Dilyana Simeonova, Katerina Vasileva (producers), Margarita Ruseva (director) and Valentina Nikolova (cameraman).
„Strastoubiiki“ is a left-wing feminist podcast that amplifies perspectives rarely heard in the public sphere while actively countering the rise of far-right sentiments and rhetoric. With a diverse lineup of guests, the podcast explores a wide range of topics, including anti-racism, pop culture, politics, sex, and more, offering critical discussions that challenge dominant narratives and promote progressive change.
