MARCH INSPIRATION: EMPOWERING WOMEN IN RADOMIR, BULGARIA

At the beginning of March, the Radomir WIN Innovation Group gathered and decided to form an association dedicated to supporting women in Radomir. Following a facilitated brainstorming session led by the National Management School Team, they created the name Edna ZaDruga. In Bulgarian, this phrase carries a dual meaning: "one for all" and "a work formation". The name perfectly reflects the mission of empowering women and building their capacities in this post-industrial region.

Supported by the WIN project, the association has secured a cozy and welcoming space on the main street of Radomir. Every Thursday, the venue will host workshop gatherings to foster personal and professional development. Additionally, the core members of Edna ZaDruga have planned an official opening on March 25, where key figures from the region will be invited, along with women interested in joining the association or participating in its workshops. A key focus is on raising awareness about the project’s mission and attracting as much community support as possible.

Inspired by this initiative, the Edna ZaDruga team organized a truly enchanting International Women's Day celebration on March 8, featuring two parallel workshops that brought together different worlds into one harmonious experience.

In the welcoming atmosphere of Atelier Edna ZaDruga, participants immersed themselves in the essence of femininity. They explored the qualities of women, shared stories of inspiring female figures, and reflected on the balance between masculine and feminine energy. Through open discussions, storytelling, and collective experiences, participants deepened their understanding of personal and communal strength. The session concluded with an artistic exercise, where each woman painted a representation of her inner balance, guided by music and intuitive movement. The results were unique, expressive, and deeply personal, capturing the essence of the workshop.

While the mothers engaged in self-exploration, their children found inspiration in the Art Place, a small creative workshop center located across from Edna ZaDruga. Owned by one of the core members of the association, the Art Place provided a dedicated space for children to express their creativity. They channeled their imagination into decoupage and painting jewelry boxes, filling their day with color and joy. Through these hands-on activities, they not only developed artistic skills but also cultivated patience, attention to detail, and a sense of accomplishment. The joy and enthusiasm in their eyes as they proudly displayed their creations were truly heart-warming.

Such events serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of creating spaces where individuals can reconnect with themselves, others, and their creative potential. We successfully established a self-exploration space for the women of Radomir - not only by organizing a workshop for them but also by ensuring they had a place where their children could be taken care of. This initiative directly addressed one of the challenges for the women in the region in the region: many women are unable to fully develop personally and professionally due to the lack of childcare options.