About us
About us
The Bulgarian Association of Women Judges (BAWJ) was created as a platform for women judges to come together, exchange professional experience and knowledge, support one another, and contribute to a stronger culture of respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights in Bulgaria.
Background
How the Association came to be
The establishment of the Association is rooted in a shared commitment to strengthening the judiciary, promoting judicial independence and integrity, and supporting women judges throughout their professional careers.
We would like to acknowledge and express our sincere gratitude to Judge Angelina Lazarova of the Court of Appeal in Varna, whose vision, dedication and tireless efforts have been instrumental in driving this initiative forward, as well as to Judge Ita Farrelly of the UK Association, who has been a constant and invaluable part of the process leading to the establishment of our Association.
The founding of the Association reflects the recognition that women judges can play an important role not only in the administration of justice, but also in broader public discussions about judicial independence, equality, professional ethics, access to justice, and public confidence in the judiciary. By bringing together women judges from different professional backgrounds and stages of their careers, the Association seeks to create a community based on professional solidarity, mutual support, continuous learning, and a shared commitment to the highest standards of judicial service.
Mission and values
Why the Association was established
One of the Association’s central aims is to contribute to greater public trust in justice and a deeper understanding of the essential role of courts and judges in protecting fundamental rights. The Association seeks to promote public and institutional awareness of the principles of equality, equal access to justice, quality judicial administration, and the rule of law.
At the same time, the Association places particular emphasis on judicial independence, integrity, and high ethical standards. It aims to encourage an open public and professional dialogue on morality and professional ethics, transparency and objectivity in the evaluation and career development of judges, and the importance of safeguarding the judiciary from undue influence, behind-the-scenes practices, and corruption.
An important part of this mission is supporting women judges themselves: assisting women at the beginning of their judicial careers and at significant moments of professional transition, promoting equal opportunities for career development, strengthening the professional authority and visibility of women judges, and providing a network of support in difficult or crisis situations.
Partnerships
Building partnerships and professional networks
From the outset, the Association has sought to translate these objectives into concrete partnerships and activities. We have already established a partnership with one of Bulgaria’s leading legal information systems and have entered into a formal cooperation agreement, providing opportunities for professional exchange, access to legal knowledge and resources, and initiatives supporting the continuous professional development of judges. The Association is also in discussions with a number of universities across Bulgaria regarding future cooperation in research, education, professional development, and public discussions.
International cooperation is equally important. Becoming part of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) connects Bulgarian women judges with colleagues around the world, enables the exchange of experience and good practices, and contributes to the international dialogue on judicial independence, equality, human rights, and the role of women in the judiciary.
Priorities
Key priorities and initiatives
The Association’s work extends beyond professional networking: it contributes to continuous judicial education and to a better understanding of the social, psychological, economic, and administrative factors that affect vulnerable people involved in judicial proceedings. Envisaged activities include professional training courses, seminars, conferences, roundtables, debates, public discussions, research and awareness-raising initiatives — with particular attention to judicial integrity and independence, leadership, emotional intelligence, prevention of professional burnout, digital competence, human rights, and European and international law.
Two projects are currently being developed. “Before Violence Becomes a Crime” focuses on the prevention of violence among children and on early intervention before harmful behaviour escalates into criminal conduct. “No More Legends – I Chose Myself” is focused on preventing drug use among children and young people, encouraging informed choices, resilience, and healthy alternatives.
Looking ahead
Looking to the future
In the short term, the Association’s priority is to establish a strong and active professional community, create opportunities for meaningful exchange among women judges, develop partnerships, and launch initiatives that respond to both professional challenges and wider societal needs.
In the longer term, the Association aims to become a sustainable professional and international network that contributes to the development of the Bulgarian judiciary while giving Bulgarian women judges a stronger voice within the wider international judicial community. The establishment of the Bulgarian Association of Women Judges is both a beginning and a commitment to action: a platform through which women judges can support one another while collectively contributing to an independent, ethical, inclusive, and trusted justice system.
Learn more about the International Association of Women Judges: download our presentation on the IAWJ (PDF).