IBS received the Exemplary badge of honor for significant achievements in implementing gender equality policies

At a meeting of the National Council for Gender Equality at the Council of Ministers, the International Business School was selected as the recipient of the Exemplary badge of honor for significant achievements in implementing gender equality policies for 2023, in the category of ‘Public Organizations and Institutions’.

On May 28, 2024, a special event was organized at the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (MLSP) for the presentation of certificates and the special award. Present at the event were Prof. Dr. Georgi Apostolov, Rector of the International Business School and coordinator of the team from the International Business School participating in the international project ‘SPEAR,’ which developed the Gender Equality Plan at the International Business School, Chief Assist. Prof. Dr. Irina Topuzova, Head of the Center for Women’s Leadership at the International Business School and a member of the team in the ‘SPEAR’ project, and Chief Assist. Prof. Dr. Atanaska Cholakova, Director of IBS-Press and a member of the team in the ‘SPEAR’ project.

The awards were presented by Deputy Ministers of Labor and Social Policy Lazar Lazarov and Natalia Efremova, and the Chief of the Minister’s Cabinet Ivaylo Ivanov – Irena Tsvetkova.”

“We are proud to be part of the organizations and institutions awarded with this recognition; it is a great honor, but also an even greater responsibility. We believe that gender equality is of paramount importance for societal development and strive to contribute to it. For years, we have been working diligently and participating in numerous initiatives and projects under the EU Framework Programmes for scientific research, with a primary focus on priorities related to eliminating stereotypes, discrimination, and promoting equal opportunities for women and men in academic environments and society as a whole. Undoubtedly, this recognition will motivate us to continue working for gender equality, seeking cooperation and partnerships to build a national network of organizations and allies to achieve this common goal. Thank you very much for recognizing our efforts and trusting in our work!” – stated Prof. Dr. Georgi Apostolov, Rector of the International Business School.

In his statement, he also emphasized that for the International Business School, as an innovative business-oriented educational institution, it is of paramount importance to support and encourage women’s participation in business, entrepreneurship, and leadership, believing in their potential and opportunities to achieve a better future.

In the seventh edition of the competition among the recipients of the Exemplary badge were also the Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria, the Electricity System Operator, the National Electric Company, the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria, and the Technical University – Sofia. The event was also attended by representatives of the government, including Neviana Miteva – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Engineer Tanya Mihaylova – Deputy Minister of Education and Science.