For the second year, the organization will recognize inspiring achievements in diversity, equity and inclusion.

By October 8, those who would like to submit their applications for the 2023 National Awards of the Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria can do so on the website of the Council: https://womeninbusiness.bg/project/nacionalni-nagradi-na-saveta-na -jenite-v-biznesa-v-bulgaria-2023/.

For the second year in a row, CWBB in partnership with the European Central Bank once again provides a platform for the inspiring initiatives that transform our workplace into an environment where everyone matters and is valued regardless of gender, race, age, origin and education as well as shares good practices to achieve equal opportunities for all and non-discrimination.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion are related to faster economic development, higher income, more efficient business, more sustainable use of natural resources, and overall, more peaceful and more stable societies. The EIB, the bank of the European Union, works for gender equality, welcomes diversity and promotes the greater empowerment of capable female entrepreneurs and managers. That’s why we will once again support the Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria about the national awards for inspiring achievements in diversity, equity and inclusion. We are glad that in 2023 special attention will be paid to the integration of young people and the realization of their potential in Bulgaria. I am convinced that the initiative will help Bulgaria to be a more successful and fairer country, where talented people have a chance, regardless of their gender, age or diversity,” says Liliana Pavlova, Vice President of the European Investment Bank.

“With the national awards for diversity, equity and inclusion, which we are about to give for the second year together with our partners from the EIB, we will once again recognize the good examples in business. But more important than that is that we will tell the stories and present real working practices that can be adopted and introduced in an even wider range of companies for the benefit of our entire society,” says Tsvetanka Mincheva, Chair of the CWBB Board of Directors and CEO of UniCredit Bulbank.

Who can participate in the contest?

Individuals, companies and organizations that operate on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or the effect of their activity is realized on the territory of Bulgaria can participate in the application process by submitting an application form, according to the procedure described in the terms and conditions.

What are the categories?

The competition has established awards in the following 4 categories, in which nominations will be accepted:

1. An inspiring initiative for diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace

In this category, we will highlight the initiatives of companies and organizations in Bulgaria that actively promote and build a culture of inclusion in the workplace and non-discrimination. Three separate awards will be presented – for a large company, for a small and/or medium-sized company, and for an NGO.

2. Inspirational initiative to overcome stereotypes and inclusion of minority groups and people with disabilities

The category will honor the organization with the most successful and inspiring program and/or initiative for full and comprehensive integration, socialization and adaptation of minority groups and people with disabilities in Bulgaria.

3. An inspiring initiative for the integration of young people and the realization of their potential in Bulgaria.

This is a new category for the competition, which aims to promote and recognize good and inspiring programs (internship, trainee programs, mentoring and others) in our country, whose main goal is to attract, retain, motivate and help young people succeed in Bulgaria.

4. An inspiring initiative to empower the next generation of female talent in business.

In this part of the competition, we will recognize good practices and programs that aim to promote the professional and personal development of women in business, their growth in managerial and leadership positions, and their establishment as successful and inspiring managers.

An additional award for an inspiring initiative of a technological company in Bulgaria will also be presented in the category.

One of all participating initiatives will receive a Distinguished Mark of the CWBB for outstanding achievements in building a diverse and inclusive environment.

The deadline for submitting applications is October 8, 2023.

Participation in the contest is completely free.

All the information about the competition, the full text of the terms and conditions, the separate forms for each category and how to apply can be found HERE.
All application forms for participation in the competition procedure, “INSPIRATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION,” and the accompanying materials should be submitted to the email address: office@womeninbusiness.bg.