As part of the project “United Network for Inclusive Values, Equality, Rights and Social Empowerment – UNIVERSE,” implemented by PULSE Foundation – Kardzhali branch with the support of Minority Rights Group International, Mario program, our team continues to hold regular meetings and discussions with women from the region.

These meetings aim to inform, empower, and build a supportive environment where women can openly talk about the challenges they face in daily life, about violence and ways to seek protection, as well as access to basic hygiene products, social services, and more.

Among the topics we discuss are:

• recognizing different forms of domestic violence and ways to respond in situations of risk
• access to support services and legal protection
• intimate hygiene and health awareness, and available resources in the community
• addictions and their impact on the family and child care.

Thanks to an initiative by the PULSE Foundation and the DM store chain, participants in the discussions received free monthly intimate care products.

Over the past few months, the foundation’s team has held more than 10 meetings in various locations across the Kardzhali region. More than 100 young mothers, women from different communities, social workers, health professionals, and representatives of local authorities took part. The meetings became a space for sharing and mutual support. For some participants, it was the first time they spoke openly about personal experiences related to violence and addiction within the family.

These initiatives are an integral part of the UNIVERSE project, aimed at promoting equality, rights, and social empowerment of women from vulnerable groups. The meetings are held regularly and will continue, reaching different communities across the region. The discussions open up a new universe for the participants - one of understanding, support, and trust..

The UNIVERSE project is funded by the European Union Program for Minorities, Accountability, Rights, Independence, Organizational Development (MARIO). Sub-grant No. BG042025