On October 20–21 and 22–23, 2025, the two two-day trainings for women leaders from the Kremikovtsi district of Sofia Municipality were held. The events were part of the project “Gather strength and say STOP to violence”, implemented by the Bulgarian School of Politics “Dimitry Panitza” with the financial support of Sofia Municipality – “Europe” 2025 Program, in partnership with the Municipality of Kremikovtsi district and Mihail Gelev 1926” Community Center – Chelopechene.
The trainings were opened by Ms. Ekaterina Yordanova, Deputy Chair of the Program Council of “Europe” 2025 Program and Lilia Donkova, Mayor of the Kremikovtsi district. Among the lecturers were Ivanka Raichkova, lecturer at the Institute of Public Administration, Prof. Alexander Hristov, Chair of the Center for Analysis and Crisis Communications and lecturer at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and the UNWE, Prof. Blagorodna Makeva, lecturer in “Protection from Domestic Violence” at the Academy of the Ministry of Interior and consultant to the Minister of Justice on issues of protection from domestic violence and Yulia Andonova, Director of “Development and Communications” of PULSE. Foundation.
The program was intensive, interactive and practically oriented and included lectures, discussions, simulations and case studies in small groups. A total of over 50 women leaders from different settlements in the region participated in the trainings.
The project aims to increase the awareness, sensitivity and capacity of women from the region to recognize and deal with various forms of violence, as well as to encourage active civic position and mutual support in the community.
