Project name: United Network for Inclusive Values, Equality, Rights and Social Empowerment – UNIVERSE

Implementation period: January 1, 2025 – November 30, 2025

Funding organization: Minority Rights Group, Mario Program

PULSE Foundation, Kardzhali Branch has launched a new large-scale project with an important message – support, equality and empowerment of young mothers from vulnerable groups and isolated areas. The UNIVERSE project aims to create conditions in which every young woman has access to education, health care, opportunities for personal development and emotional support.

What is the aim of the project?

The main goal is to give young mothers in the region of Kardzhali from vulnerable groups a chance for a better life by offering them the necessary skills, knowledge and support. Three key areas summarize the objectives of the project:

• Educational support: Lessons on childcare, what to do in an emergency, how to share responsibilities with a partner.
• Mental health: Individual and group counseling to deal with anxiety, postpartum depression, and other difficulties.

• Community and mutual aid: Creating support groups in which mothers and fathers can exchange experiences, support each other and grow together.

What's next?

The project begins with a survey among young mothers – what worries them, what they need, what topics excite them. After that, special programs will be prepared, tailored to the real needs of the local community. The workshops will include practical advice, sharing experiences, creating videos with real stories, meetings with experts and many other useful activities.

Mentoring pairs will also be created - experienced mothers will help the newcomers with support and advice.

What will we achieve?

More than 480 young mothers are expected to benefit from the program, and 200 fathers and other adults in the family will also be actively involved. The project will also cover over 250 professionals and representatives of institutions – doctors, social workers, employees from local authorities and the NGO sector.

The goal is clear – to create sustainable, supportive networks in communities where gender equality is a reality, not just a slogan. The project will help build better policies promoting work-family balance, equal pay and shared childcare.

With "UNIVERSE" we are starting a long-term change – from mothers to the whole society.

The UNIVERSE project is funded by the European Union's Minorities, Accountability, Rights, Independence, Organisational Development (MARIO) Programme. Sub-grant No BG042025