A supported woman is smiling and connfident: meetings for women and girls in the month of women – education, appreciation, and prevention of early marriages
In March, a month dedicated to women and their irreplaceable roles as daughters, wives, and mothers, a series of trainings and discussions were organized for women and girls. The main topics of these events were the prevention of early marriages in Roma communities and the promotion of education as a key factor for a better future for young girls.
One of the primary themes was preventing early marriages—a problem that affects many young girls and limits
their development opportunities. Regional coordinators and educational mediators provided information on the risks associated with early marriages, as well as the legal mechanisms for their prevention. Real-life cases and community strategies were discussed at the meeting.
Another key focus was the role of education for the future of young girls. Success stories were presented of women who overcame challenges and achieved significant success through education. Silvia Stancheva, Mira, and other inspiring women shared their experiences and offered practical advice on accessing quality education, scholarships, and career development .
The meetings caused strong interest and engagement among participants. Girls shared their dreams and aspirations, and we from Amalipe Center encouraged them to pursue education and fight for their rights. As a result, many expressed their desire to continue their education and join initiatives supporting other girls in similar situations. These meetings proved that knowledge and support are the most powerful tools in the fight against early marriages and inequality. More such gatherings are planned to reach even more girls and provide them with the necessary resources for a brighter future.
What exactly happened:
March 7
Educational mediator Borislav Dimitrov at „Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii“ in village Tarnene, engaged creatively with parents and students, making label and decorations for March 8th (International Women’s Day) and Mother’s Day. The motto was:
“If all flowers aren’t enough, for this day, brighter than the sun, I’ll draw new ones at night, to be your new gift!”
March 8
On International Women’s Day, students from „Sv. Kliment Ohridski“ in Simeonovgrad, honered in unconventional way, they paid their tribute and respect to the talented Bulgarian woman who brought fame to Bulgaria abroad with her magical voice and pen, who fought for its freedom and for the right to equality in professions. The heroic deeds, work, and talent of each of these Bulgarian women – Baba Tonka Obretenova, Yana Yazova, Rayna Knyaginya, Elisaveta Karamihaylova, Queen Eleonora of Bulgaria, Sirma Voyvoda, Elena Nikolai, as well as thousands of other Bulgarian women – have contributed to shaping our country into how it is today.
10 March
In Dobrich, a parents’ meeting covered both International Women’s Day and school admissions for 2025–2026 year. Organized by coordinator Galina Toshkova with mediators Mira, Refie, and Bedrie.The meeting was attended by parents of students, future first and eighth grade teachers, as well as teachers from vocational fields. They presented information about the educational programs, development opportunities for the students, and the expected prospects in the various specialties. In the spirit of the celebration, the students had prepared handmade gifts for the parents, which brought smiles and warm emotions. The atmosphere was friendly and filled with positive emotions, and everyone left with a sense of support and confidence in their educational choices for their children
13 March
In the month dedicated to women – ”Girls, equipped with inspiration!”– a gathering to empower women, to offer mutual support, and to remind ourselves that we are all wonderful and capable of overcoming any of life’s challenges, held at “Panayot Volov” Primary School in the village of Madara! An honest conversation between girls, teachers, and mothers about the harm of early marriages and the importance of education. All of this took place during creative workshops and sweet treats! Priceless!
18 March
In the month dedicated to women – a training session with the wonderful girls from “Tr. Simeonov” Secondary School in Shumen. In an open and heartfelt conversation, we shared our personal stories, searched for ways to prevent early marriages, and dreamed of a future at university. The girls promised to stay strong, to support one another, and never to let their dreams be taken away!
19 March
A beautiful, trusting, and energetic creative environment at Hristo Botev Primary School in the village of Ivanski. A time for honest conversations about the serious choices after school, dreams of a better future, and the challenges that must be overcome. Every girl deserves to be happy, no matter where she was born! These girls are determined to make their dreams come true!
19 March
Workshop at “St. Paisii Hilendarski” Primary School in village Sotirya, ”Guess me!” – teachers prepared the ”Trust” beauty salon for the mothers. The children made their mothers even more beautiful and awarded them with titles for ”Best Mom”. An extremely positive and trusting environment where every woman felt valued, loved, and respected.
27 March
Strong messages, heartfelt wishes, and bold dreams during a training session with the girls from “Panayot Volov”, Primary School in village Todor Ikonomovo. Creating beautiful cards while engaging in sincere discussions. The girls promised to support each other in difficult times. Because every girl needs a kind word, a hug, and support!”!
One of the main goals of the Amalipe Center is to provide education, equal opportunities for Roma women, and to encourage their increasingly active role in social and political life. The Amalipe Center works in several directions: on one hand, empowering women in the Roma community, turning them into active members of the community, and overcoming harmful conservative practices that hinder this process; on the other hand, integrating the issues of Roma women into the broader challenges faced by women in Bulgaria and Europe.
The project – “Marriage can wait, education cannot!” is implemented within the INSPIRE project: Improving national support for prevention, intervention, and response to violence against children, and empowering victims, and is co-funded by the European Union and the Foundation “Workshop for Civic Initiatives” (WCI).
