A conference dedicated to the role of women and their participation in diplomatic missions took place in Sofia

Association "More Women in Power" and H.E. Zakia El Midaoui - doyen of the diplomatic corps and ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco in Bulgaria, organized a conference "Women, peace, security". BCCI and "Women Act Greece" were co-organizers of the event.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Gabriel was the patron of the event. “The UN “Women, Peace, Security” Program is a global roadmap for justice, security and human rights. She stands for the view that sustainable peace can only be achieved when women's voices are heard and their rights are protected", emphasized Maria Gabriel.

In her speech, she recalled that for the first time in its history, Bulgaria became a member of the UN-Women Executive Board for the period 2023-2025. Bulgaria is also a member of the Human Rights Council for the period 2024-2026. Among the main priorities of the country are the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.

She highlighted the support for women in innovation and highlighted the opportunities that the green transition provides for more girls to be leaders in the fight against climate change.

"The role of women and their participation in diplomatic missions to promote peace and security and to prevent and resolve conflicts will become increasingly relevant. I believe that women can contribute to a better, more peaceful and more a secure society," concluded Maria Gabriel.

In his welcome speech to the participants, Tsvetan Simeonov thanked Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maria Gabriel and H.E. Zakia El Midawi for their commitment to support the conference. As a nationally representative employers' organization, the BCCI is guided by the principle of equal representation and participation of women in all spheres of public life, including in the governance of the country. In the rapidly changing world in which we live, women are the leaders who Bulgaria needs with their persistence, balance and consistency.

According to statistics published on the EU website, Bulgaria is in 29th place out of a total of 39 countries in terms of the share of women in national parliaments and national governments.