On May 31, 2025, PULSE Foundation – Kardzhali Branch celebrated one year since its official registration – a date that symbolizes the beginning of a new stage in the fight against gender-based violence in the region. The branch in Kardzhali is the logical and necessary continuation of the already established mobile services that the foundation has been providing in the district for five years. The registration in May 2024 was an important step towards sustainability, visibility and more effective support for victims.

During this year, the team of the branch continued with an unwavering commitment the mission of the PULSE Foundation – to build a society free of violence by providing timely and sensitive assistance to women and girls who have experienced traumatic events. Over 70 people received professional support in the programs for assistance to victims of violence, provided by the team of PULSE Foundation – Kardzhali Branch last year – a clear sign of the need and trust in our work.

The beginning was not easy – for years the team acted informally, without constant resources and without a legal framework, but with great will. The establishment of a branch of the PULSE Foundation in Kardzhali is an act of courage, faith and consistency – a step towards ensuring that every woman, child or man, regardless of where they live, has access to support, information and freedom of choice.

 We are proud to share that this year the branch launched its first official project – "The Power of Knowledge – A Basic Path for a Life Without Violence", funded by the Values Program of the Bulgarian Fund for Women. The project is aimed at providing support to women and girls affected by violence, raising awareness, as well as building capacity and developing sensitivity to the problems of inequality and violence. The team in Kardzhali goes through training sessions facilitated by experienced colleagues in Pernik, who also provide supervision and support for the development of services and programs in the region.

We are looking forward with ambition and confidence – to open a crisis center where victims can receive round-the-clock protection and shelter, as well as to create a social enterprise that will work towards economic empowerment of women survivors of violence.

The team of PULSE Foundation – Kardzhali Branch continues with the belief that knowledge, solidarity and sustainable presence at the local level led to real change. We thank everyone who supports us and believes in this cause – together we are strong.

 With the financial support of the Bulgarian Fund for Women and the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Bulgarian Fund for Women, the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither BFW, nor the EU, nor the EEAC can be held responsible for them.