27–28 May 2026, Kavarna (Bulgaria)

Advocacy to Stop Violence Against Women and Girls

On 27–28 May 2026, the Community Safety and Mediation Center (CMSC) organised the Aurora Voices Romania-Bulgaria Bilateral Conference in Kavarna, Bulgaria, in partnership with the National Democratic Institute, the Bulgarian Platform of the European Women’s Lobby, ProFem Czech Republic, and the Romanian Women’s Lobby.

Strengthen advocacy efforts

The conference brought together survivors, civil society organisations, policymakers, and international experts to strengthen advocacy efforts aimed at preventing and combating violence against women and girls.

The programme focused on the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, integrated policies, survivor-centred services, advocacy strategies, and legislative developments at national and European levels. Particular attention was given to the role of survivor voices in shaping policies and improving responses to violence against women.

Featured contributions

The conference featured contributions from members of GREVIO, representatives of the European Family Justice Center Alliance (EFJCA), the European Women’s Lobby, government authorities, and specialised service providers from Romania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Discussions highlighted promising practices in prevention, protection, integrated service provision, risk assessment, and advocacy for systemic change.

Cross-border cooperation

By bringing together survivor advocates, professionals, NGOs, and decision-makers from across the region, the Aurora Voices Conference strengthened cross-border cooperation and reinforced a shared commitment to advancing women's rights, survivor empowerment, and effective implementation of international and European standards on combating violence against women and domestic violence.