Illiteracy is the most powerful weapon of inequality supporters (or if I were an ambassador)

The challenge for teenage girls this year was to write an essay on a topic « If you were an ambassador for a day, how would you encourage gender equality in Bulgaria? » Girls who are distinguished get the opportunity to work with the ambassador for one day, as well as to meet with other women in leadership positions.

« This campaign aims to enable young girls in Bulgaria to become the leaders of the future, to help their communities and to actively participate in civil society. Many of our previous winners have already become an inspiring example. I am excited to hear everyone's thoughts and perspective« , Ambassador Nathaniel Copsi commented. After Bulgaria, the initiative was taken by Britain embassies all over the world from the Czech Republic to New Zealand.

The Ambassador of One Day is to encourage teenagers to dream boldly to develop their potential. « This initiative encourages Bulgarian girls to express themselves, gives them confidence that their voice means a lot, gives them the confidence that they can achieve success, » said Vice President Iliana Yotova, who supports the campaign from her first edition.

Dnevnik publishes the essays of the winners this year – Alexandra Shankova, Andrea Peicheva and Raya Nikolova.

Every day we prove that we can much more than what we assume we can

Alexandra Shankova, 16 years, 10th grade, Dolni Cibar village

For centuries, women have been discriminated against simply because they are women. The most common type of discrimination is precisely the one – according to our gender. « Women can't work, women can't study, women just have to do housework and watch children … »

The 21st century should have changed, but unfortunately it is not quite so. Many men still live with this thinking.

In the 21st century, we already have the right to vote … we have the right to work, to study, to have a profession. We are on par with men, the rights are the same as theirs. Every day, women prove that we can much more than what we suppose we can … be a mother, care for a household, raise children, be a wife and at the same time work, have a profession, study and so on. Who can this except a strong woman?

If I were an ambassador, I would encourage gender equality exactly with what I told above. I would tell the story of the strongest woman I know – my example of a worthy woman, my inspiration to continue to go forward and realize myself … my mother. As a child of Roma origin living in a small village whose population is entirely of Roma, I know very well and I know all these stereotypes that « men are more than women; women are only for childcare and home care » and you know what … I have witnessed every day that every woman is just prejudice.

If I was an ambassador for a day even, I would do my best to eliminate this discrimination and discrimination as a whole. It is a very bad thing that hinders our development as a society in the 21st century.

To the girls who hear « This is not for women, » I say « It's all about women »

Andrea Peicheva, 16 years, 10th grade, Tutrakan

If I were an ambassador for a day, I would not have lost a second. I wouldn't speak quietly, because change never comes with a whisper. I would speak loudly so that not only those who already believe in equality may hear me, but also those who are afraid of it.

I would enter the institutions and ask: Why are women in Bulgaria still getting lower salaries for the same job? Why are leadership positions for men and for women – the questions « When will you have children? ». Why, when a woman is brave, they call her arrogant, and when a man is the same, they call him a leader?

I would fight for laws that not only sound good on paper but work. To protect against violence that does not leave the victims alone. For a society where success has no gender.

One day it may be small, but it is enough to wake up a storm. And I promise – it won't be quiet.

Illiteracy is the most powerful weapon of inequality supporters

Raya Rosenova Nikolova, 18 years, 11th grade, Sofia. She has written her essay in English, which is his translation of Bulgarian:

For centuries, women have been leaving their imprint in history with their struggle for equality with men. It is a long but dedicated battle that reveals the power and endurance of women. Although our world seems progressive, we have not yet reached the utopian ideas of equal opportunities and a fair attitude towards both sexes. What then would I do if I were an ambassador for a day?

First, I would organize a conference with state and public leaders in order to develop initiatives for the protection of women from violence. I would encourage the creation of more crisis centers for victims of domestic violence and sexual harassment so that all victims, regardless of their gender, can be able to understand, support and legal aid.

In addition, I would help to organize lessons and lectures in schools to be conducted by specialists working in different fields. They could encourage and inspire young people to show tolerance and understanding, and strive for mutual assistance, giving them the opportunity to understand the benefits of working together and gender cooperation.

Another important step would be to organize a cultural event in a museum or gallery to pay tribute to women who contributed to history, science, art and politics. Illiteracy is the most powerful weapon of inequality supporters, so knowing the achievements of all these great women of the past, as well as nowadays, is key to a fairer future.

Equality is not a privilege, but a basic human right. A truly progressive country is one that not only adopts laws against discrimination, but also builds a culture of mutual respect.

If I were an ambassador for a day, I would do my best to lay the foundations for a long -term change to help build Bulgaria as a country of equal opportunities and continuity.