This Code of Ethics constitutes a system of rules and principles for ethical conduct and good professional practices, which ensures that all activities of the Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria, as well as the activities of its members in connection with their membership in the Association, are carried out in a lawful, transparent, fair, moral, responsible, and bona fide manner.

The members of the Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria voluntarily undertake to comply with this Code of Ethics, guided by the understanding that ethical relationships and integrity are the foundation for the development and affirmation of professional values and standards, the establishment of pan-European principles to ensure equal rights and opportunities in a state governed by the rule of law, and the building of a democratic civil society.

I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1.
The members of the Association shall work towards achieving the objectives of the Association, striving to contribute to the development and promotion of its activities and initiatives.

Article 2.
All members of the Association unconditionally support the cause of affirming and sharing good practices and experience in ensuring equality between women and men by supporting the career development of women and by implementing initiatives and programmes to encourage their professional growth in small and medium-sized enterprises and their advancement to managerial positions.

Article 3.
The Association is a non political organisation and, in every aspect of its activities, shall seek to refrain from supporting causes that conflict with the Association’s mission of equality and the enhancement of the public role of women and their full participation in socio-economic processes, as well as the affirmation and recognition of their significance in contemporary society.

Article 4.
All members support the aspiration of the Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria and its governing bodies to establish the Association as an organisation that adheres to ethical principles and standards, and they guarantee that none of their actions will harm the good name of the Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria through dishonesty, disloyalty, or corruption.

Article 5.
In their public activities and personal conduct, each member shall act in a manner that does not undermine the prestige and professional reputation of either the Association or its members.

Article 6.
The members of the Association acknowledge that compliance with statutory provisions is the foundation of ethical business conduct. The activities of the members, as well as their communication within the Association, shall be conducted on the basis of legality, honesty, and openness, without allowing any damage to the prestige and good name of the Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria, its members, representatives, or partners.

II. PRINCIPLES OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE ASSOCIATION

Article 7.
All members of the Association are equal, and no form of discrimination against members or their representatives shall be permitted in relations between them.

Article 8.
In their relations with one another in connection with the activities or initiatives of the Association, members shall be guided by the principles of fairness, ethics, integrity, cooperation, and mutual respect, demonstrating courtesy and goodwill.

Article 9.
Each member of the Association is guaranteed the right to their own views, freedom of thought, conscience, and expression. The Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria respects the right to opinions, viewpoints, and statements, provided that they are expressed in a manner that does not violate the dignity of its members, partners, and others.

Article 10.
The Association promotes an atmosphere of discussion, which must not escalate into personal attacks, insults, disqualifications, disdain, or purposeless struggles for dominance. The sharing and discussion of opinions, arguments, and differing viewpoints are welcome and necessary, as they create potential for the exchange of ideas, diversity, and development, and enable the meaningful participation of members in the activities of the Association. This process must take place with the necessary respect and recognition of each individual’s right to an opinion and to personal and professional expression.

Article 11.
When expressing opinions and assessments, members of the Association shall base their arguments on facts and avoid personal characterisations and attacks, while safeguarding the dignity of those whom they assess or whose actions they comment on, in the same manner as they expect their own good name and dignity to be preserved.

III. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT OF THE MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Article 12.
Members of the Association shall not disclose in the public sphere personal or confidential information about other members, nor unverified or false information regarding the activities of the Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria.

Article 13.
Members of the Association are obliged to protect personal data that become known to them in connection with their activities in support of the Association.

Article 14.
Each member of the Association, in connection with activities carried out for the benefit of the Association, shall refrain from imposing their personal opinion and from placing their own interests above those of the other members of the Association.

Article 15.
Members of the Association may not participate in discussions or decision-making by the governing bodies of the Association when the member or persons related to them have an interest in the respective decision.

Article 16.
When assigning tasks and executing decisions of the governing bodies of the Association that may lead to a conflict of interest, the member of the Association shall promptly notify the governing bodies.

Article 17.
Members of the Association whose membership has been terminated or who have withdrawn shall not misuse information that became known to them as a result of their participation in the Association.

Article 18.
A member of the Association who carries out actions incompatible with this Code and the other internal acts of the Association is obliged to withdraw from participation in the Association and its governing bodies.

Article 19.
Each member of the Association shall inform the governing bodies of the Association of any information and facts that have come to their knowledge and that constitute violations of this Code and the other internal acts of the Association.

V. FINAL PROVISION

Paragraph 1.
The rules of this Code constitute a voluntary moral and ethical obligation governing the conduct of the members of the Association. The members of the Association and their representatives in the governing bodies of the Association are obliged to comply with the provisions of this Code and, in this connection, to be informed by the Managing Board of any amendments and changes to its provisions.

This Code of Ethics has been adopted by a decision of the Managing Board of the Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria and is in force for all members of the Association.