For the fifth consecutive year, the Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria (CWBB), in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB), is organising a forum to recognise the most inspiring achievements in the areas of diversity, equality and inclusion.

In 2026, we are once again providing a platform for the inspiring initiatives that make our workplace and society an environment where everyone is valued and respected, regardless of gender, race, age, background or education, and we are sharing best practices for achieving equal opportunities for all and preventing discrimination.

The competition offers awards in the following four categories, for which nominations will be accepted in September 2026:

 1. AN INSPIRING INITIATIVE FOR DIVERSITY, EQUALITY AND INCLUSION IN THE WORKPLACE

What we’re looking for in this category:

This category recognises companies and organisations that foster a sustainable culture of diversity and actively promote equal opportunities and inclusion in the workplace. We are looking for programmes and practices that do not merely exist on paper, but have a real, measurable impact on the environment and the people within it – through changes to policies, organisational culture and day-to-day business practices.

Examples of initiatives:

• Policies ensuring equal access to development and career progression, regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, disability or social status.
• Policies to promote women’s professional development and empower them to take on managerial and leadership roles;
• Policies for the integration, socialisation and adaptation of minority groups and people with disabilities;
• Practices for building an inclusive culture – training, internal campaigns, dialogue and the exchange of good practices.
• Programmes promoting flexible working arrangements, work-life balance, and adaptation to employees’ diverse needs.
• Programmes supporting working parents through flexible and innovative solutions that facilitate the reconciliation of work and personal life;
• Initiatives to raise awareness and develop the skills of leaders and managers on topics such as diversity and non-discrimination.
• Mechanisms for transparency and accountability in the application of equality principles (e.g. pay, promotions, recruitment).
• Policies to create an inclusive and supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community;
• Sustainable policies on fairness, equality and non-discrimination.
  
  Who can apply?:
  
  • Companies that implement systematic programmes and practices in the field of diversity, equality and inclusion, and that introduce solutions applicable to their business.
  • Organisations and institutions that have introduced sustainable inclusion policies.

  Application Form   

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2. AN INSPIRING CIVIL SOCIETY INITIATIVE – AN NGO CONTRIBUTING TO SOCIAL INCLUSION

What we’re looking for in this category:

This category will recognise non-governmental organisations (NGOs) whose work contributes to building a fairer, more inclusive and more united society in Bulgaria. The award aims to highlight the efforts of the civil society sector to bring about sustainable change and to reduce the social isolation of various groups within society.

Examples of initiatives:

• Programmes to support and promote the social integration of vulnerable groups (minority communities, people with disabilities, single parents, refugees, etc.).
• Projects for educational and vocational inclusion – training programmes, courses, work placements or initiatives that create real opportunities for development.
• Campaigns and actions to prevent discrimination, violence and social marginalisation.
• Initiatives to promote access to culture, the arts and sport as a means of inclusion and socialisation.
• Volunteering and community development programmes that bring about lasting change in the local area.

Who can apply?:

• Non-governmental organisations (foundations, associations, citizens’ initiatives).
• Organisations with a clear social impact, operating at national or local level.

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3. AN INSPIRING INITIATIVE TO PROMOTE THE INTEGRATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND HELP THEM REALISE THEIR POTENTIAL IN BULGARIA

What we’re looking for in this category:

This category recognises programmes and initiatives that help young people in Bulgaria to realise their potential and find their rightful place in the labour market. The aim is to showcase successful models that not only attract but also retain young talent, giving them the opportunity to develop and contribute to the future of business and our country.

Examples of initiatives:

• Internship and work placement programmes that offer real opportunities for development and future career progression.
• Mentoring programmes that connect young talent with experienced professionals and leaders.
• Training and skills development initiatives (hard and soft skills) that prepare young people for the modern labour market.
• Programmes for entrepreneurship and social innovation that encourage initiative and creativity.
• Partnerships between educational institutions and the business sector to create a smoother transition from education to professional careers.

• Who can apply:

  • Organisations that run sustainable programmes for working with young people and have successful youth integration projects.
  • State and local government bodies developing initiatives for youth inclusion.

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4. A MEDIA CAMPAIGN OR JOURNALISTIC INITIATIVE IN SUPPORT OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

What are we looking for in this category?:

This NEW category will recognise media, communications and public initiatives that promote the values of diversity, equality and inclusion through the power of content, storytelling and public dialogue. The category is open to media organisations, journalists, podcasters, digital content creators, communications and advertising agencies, companies and civil society organisations. The aim is to recognise initiatives that reach a wide audience, generate public engagement, encourage a shift in stereotypes and attitudes, and contribute to a more inclusive and equal society.

Examples of initiatives:

• Media projects and journalistic series that raise the profile of under-represented groups and tell real stories about diversity, equality and inclusion.
• Creative forms of storytelling – video productions, documentaries, social media formats, podcasts and more – that showcase real stories and examples of change.
• Communication and public awareness campaigns that change attitudes, reduce stereotypes and promote more inclusive language and public dialogue.
• Investigative journalism and data-driven projects that examine inequalities, discrimination and barriers to equal opportunities.
• Creative digital and multimedia formats – podcasts, video productions, documentaries, interactive stories, visual projects and other innovative ways of storytelling.
• Citizen journalism and training initiatives for new storytellers, which provide people from different communities with the tools to create content themselves.
• Media and communication initiatives with a measurable social impact, which lead to changes in attitudes, behaviour, policies or practices and create a lasting social impact.
  Who can apply?:

• Media organisations, journalists and production companies that have produced content promoting diversity, equality and inclusion.
• Digital content creators, podcasters and independent communicators who, through their platforms, reach audiences and foster dialogue on the themes of diversity and equality.
• Partnerships between organisations, media outlets, businesses and communities that have carried out joint initiatives with a measurable social impact.

Application form  

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One of the participating initiatives will receive the Bulgarian Journalists’ Union’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

All forms for participation in the competition and any supporting documents must be submitted to the email address office@womeninbusiness.bg

The deadline for submitting applications is 16 October 2026.

Participation in the competition is completely free of charge.

Individuals, companies and organisations that operate within the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, or whose activities have an impact within Bulgaria, may take part in the competition by submitting an entry form or through nomination by a third party, in accordance with the procedure set out in the rules.