Bulgarian Women's Movements and International Connections

The history of women’s movements in pre-communist Bulgaria follows patterns seen in many other countries. It shows that in “liberal democracy,” the social contract, or agreement about rights and responsibilities, was mostly made between men. This meant that modernity and the ideas of citizenship and civil society were often shaped by men’s experiences. As a result, women’s demands for equal rights and their actions were very similar worldwide, and they shared common goals with international women’s organizations.

Bulgarian Women in International Movements

Bulgarian activists participated in many international women’s congresses. While it’s not possible to mention every event, one is especially important for the Bulgarian women’s movement: the Congress of the International Alliance of Women for Suffrage and Equal Citizenship (IAWSEC), held in Istanbul from April 18-25, 1935. This congress was seen as significant because it was held in the east, symbolizing a growing connection between women’s movements in both the West and the East Adventure Balkan Tours.

Recognition for Dimitrana Ivanova

At the congress, Dimitrana Ivanova from the Bulgarian Women’s Union was elected to the Board of the IAWSEC. This was a major recognition for Bulgaria’s women’s movement. Ivanova had been nominated by Mrs. Theodoropoulou, the chairwoman of the Greek League for Women’s Rights, and a member of the IAWSEC board. This election helped the Bulgarian Women’s Union stay connected with the IAWSEC, and they were able to align their efforts with the international women’s movement on issues like political and economic equality, equal morality, and legal gender equality.

Dimitrana Ivanova’s Contributions and Achievements

In 1935 and 1937, Ivanova attended meetings of the IAWSEC Board in Amsterdam and Zurich. At the Amsterdam meeting, the Board decided to send Ivanova to two Balkan congresses about protecting children, held in Athens and Belgrade.

At the Zurich meeting, Ivanova proudly reported that Bulgarian women had won partial voting rights in January 1937. She highlighted that Bulgaria had granted women the vote before France, Yugoslavia, Quebec (Canada), and Switzerland. Ivanova was re-elected to the Board at the Copenhagen Congress of the IAWSEC in 1939. She was also elected president of the International Commission for the Protection of Motherhood, a part of the IAWSEC.