Violence against women and girls remains a global problem that we face daily.

One in three women over the age of 15 worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner at least once in her life.

In Bulgaria, thousands of women – daughters, sisters, mothers, grandmothers, granddaughters, cousins, nieces, and friends – suffer from such violence every year.

Since the beginning of 2024, at least 18 women have been killed by their current or former partners, victims of the pandemic called violence against women.

This is not just a number. These are lives, destinies, and hopes shattered by violence, harassment, and humiliation.

Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread and deeply rooted violations of human rights. It is not only an extreme form of discrimination but also leads to lasting consequences for the victims, their families, and society.

Each year, from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence are launched.

For yet another year, governments, civil society, women's organizations, young people, the private sector, media, the UN system, governmental partners, schools, universities, and individuals participate in campaigns to raise awareness, promote accountability, and improve national policies and standards.

Over the next 16 days, the team of the PULSE Foundation joins the calls of this year's global UN campaign under the slogan: „Every ten minutes, a woman is killed. No excuse. Unite to end violence against women.“ with a series of events on significant dates, training sessions, discussions, and informational campaigns aimed at bringing the issue of violence and the opportunities for supporting victims to the forefront.

As part of the campaign, on November 27, 2024, at 4:30 PM, a significant event titled 'Code Blue for the Entire Country' will take place at the International Youth Center in Pernik.

This impactful project will shed light on the stories of five courageous women and one man who have survived domestic violence. Through artistic performances by talented Bulgarian actors, their experiences will be brought to life, conveying both their pain and resilience, and inspiring others to seek help.

The event 'Code Blue' is not just a platform for storytelling. It is a catalyst for change. By transforming the way we talk about violence and expressing it through art, we can provoke public attention, foster understanding, and inspire action.

We move forward, believe, and bring together allies with whom we join efforts to assist more and more people who endure or witness violence to TAKE ACTION, be the change, speak out about violence, recognize it, expose it, and prevent it—because love should not hurt.