International Association of Professional and Business Women in Bulgaria
About
We link professionals from all areas of business, education, politics and culture, welcoming both individual and corporate, employed and self-employed members.
Our main goal is to increase women's visibility and participation in higher positions in business and society. IAPBWB believes that quality levels of management can be increased and enriched through more female presence and diversity.
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Our History
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Women engaged in the financial sector, science and business found the International Association of Professional and Business Women in Bulgaria (IAPBWB) in 2001.The main goal was to unite, support and promote Bulgarian and international professional and business women, implement programs for empowerment of women in Bulgaria and work actively for wider gender mainstreaming in all segments of social life.
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The IAPBWB gathered proactive executive women in Bulgaria who joined their inspiration, efforts and experience into a living organisation dedicated to contribute for the economic empowerment and advancement of women.
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Founder and President of the organisation is Nina Georgieva.
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As a member of the Norwegian Association of Professional and Business Women, Nina not only gained experience and knowledge but her inspiration reflected on foundation of IAPBWB. Upon her return in Bulgaria, Nina gathered proactive professional and business women and together they founded the International Association of Professional and Business Women in Bulgaria.
Economist, former analyst, and lead project manager for UniCredit Bank, Nina established NG Consulting. She is a former board member and vice-president of The International Alliance for Women (TIAW), and was one of a 100 women awarded special status by Human Value Capital, esteemed multi-national human resources organisation. Nina is a IVP fellow and holds a leadership certificate from the US State Department.
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The first activities of IAPBWB where focused on raising awareness about the status of women in business and society as a whole, improvement of business environment and creating an opportunities for it’s members.
Some of the first projects were:
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“The Glass Ceiling in Bulgaria” – September 2001, research on women’s participation in management followed by conference and Action Plan aiming to bring women closer to higher management positions.
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“Women in Business & Technology” – international conference co-organized with The American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria and ARC Fund in March 2002
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"Professional and Business Women Against Corruption - practical aspects" - international seminar in cooperation with Norwegian partner organization and funded by Norwegian Program.
As a first business women organisation in Bulgaria IAPBWB focussed on identifying and addressing the challenges women face in their professional life.
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Equally as a member of the leading international business organisations IAPBWB members benefit of having an access to know how, exchange knowledge and experience, and create new opportunities.
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Events like TIAW Global Partnership Forum, Global Summit of Women Conference, W.I.N. Conference and many others opened new horizons for our members.
In 2003 in a videoconference with US Assistance Secretary of State for Cultural and Educational Affairs Patricia Harrison, Bulgarian women-leaders had an inspirational discussion about the challenges women face in the beginning of 21st century.
Some of the IAPBWB activities that made a real impact were:
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Contributing to the UN Millennium Goals Report for Bulgaria;
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Participating in the preparation of the Equal Opportunity Act;
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Initiating and later becoming co-founder on the Coalition of Balkan Business Women Associations;
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Introducing and launching Women on Board Initiative in Bulgaria and South East Europe.
IAPBWB RELLY DID MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Our Mission
IAPBWB is working to spread the good across the country and internationally, helping to enhance the potential that cultural diversity has for business, society and everyones private lives.
We think creatively and act internationally.
IAPBWB fights for an equal representation of women and men in professional environments, especially in leading positions.
IAPBWB supports a management culture based on trust, respect and reliability.
Our core issues are:
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Equal opportunities for both men and women
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Women occupying leading positions
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Successful women's lifestyle and work-life balance
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Leadership models and best practices
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Management issues, corporate leadership
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Knowledge and best practice exchange through networking
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Rising awareness towards 30-80 life cycle
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Role models with high potential
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and many more!
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Our Vision
IAPBWB strives to improve the quality of management with respect to both women and men, enhancing cultural, gender, ethnic and, in its entirety, diversity across the Bulgaria and beyond.
With shared responsibility, women and men can equally influence and shape both society and the economy. Exchanging their knowledge and experience with companies and institutions, they generate great added value.
As leaders and managers, women also have a chance to experience success at work, while their personality, creativity and personal interests shouldn't be overlooked. Thats why a balance between private life and work is important, for everyone.
IAPBWB inspires and helps women, men and organizations to be more diversity-oriented and open-minded, helping to create and to develop a new career vision for women and men.