On 26 February, H. E. Mrs. Zakia El Midaoui, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Republic of Bulgaria and Dean of the diplomatic corps in our country,

opened the doors of her residence for an informal event on the theme "Women, Peace and Security". It was held under the patronage of H. E. Mrs. Maria Gabriel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria. It was organized by the Moroccan Embassy and the organization "More Women in Power", chaired by Mrs. Evelina Tsileva, in cooperation with the Bulgarian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Greek Association "Women Act Greece". The event was also part of the cultural program of the Embassy for 2024 and was dedicated to the celebration of the International Women's Day - March 8.

As moderator of this meeting, Ambassador Zakia El Midaoui congratulated Mrs. Maria Gabriel for once again demonstrating her commitment to equitable causes by agreeing to support this initiative, as well as the representatives of More Women in Power. She pointed out that the theme "Women, Peace and Security" was important in promoting the values of peace, living together, respect and tolerance. It is a theme to which the UN Security Council dedicated Resolution 1325 of 31 October 2000, which reaffirms the important role of women in conflict prevention and resolution, in peacekeeping and peacebuilding negotiations, in humanitarian intervention and post-conflict reconstruction, and stresses the importance of addressing the needs of women and girls victims of violence, ensuring their participation in decision-making, especially in areas threatened or affected by conflict, empowering them and promoting equality.

Ambassador Zakia El Midaoui further pointed out that "the growing number of countries that now have regional and national action plans to monitor the implementation of Resolution 1325 demonstrates the improving political environment in support of women's inclusion and participation in peace and security. All of these elements are fundamental pillars of the peace and security architecture in Morocco, Bulgaria and elsewhere.

The Kingdom has committed significant efforts and resources to the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325 through the launch of the first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security in March 2022, which emphasizes that it recognizes the role of women as agents of change and equal partners in decision-making.

"As part of the implementation of the vision of our Sovereign, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this National Action Plan, the design of which was the subject of extensive consultations involving all components of Moroccan society and regional and international partners competent in the matter, aims to strengthen gender equality and protect women's rights. This plan consists of three pillars: preventive diplomacy, mediation and peacekeeping, promotion of a culture of peace and equality, and women's economic participation".

For her part, Mrs. Maria Gabriel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, congratulated the initiators of this event, which is a great opportunity to discuss such an important topical issue, recalling that Bulgaria becomes both a member of the Executive Board of UN Women for the period 2023-2025 and of the Human Rights Council for the period 2024-2026, with the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women among its main priorities.

Mrs. Gabriel added that the UN Women's Agenda for Security and Peace, which is a global roadmap for justice, security and human rights, supports the vision that lasting peace can only be achieved when women's voices are heard and their rights are protected.

The head of Bulgarian diplomacy said that peace and security need the talents of women, urging support for women and girls in the field of innovation so that they can take advantage of the opportunities offered in this sector, with the aim of becoming leaders, especially in the fight against global warming.

She concluded her remarks by stressing the essential role of women and their participation in diplomatic missions to promote peace and security, and to prevent and resolve conflicts. "I believe that women and girls can contribute to a better, more peaceful and safer society."

Mrs. Evelina Tsileva, Chairperson of the NGO "More Women in Power", presented the organization's goals and mission, reaffirmed her firm belief that in difficult times like today, when the world is torn by multiple military conflicts, the role of women in peacekeeping is essential.

Mr. Tsvetan Simeonov, President of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), said that atrocities committed against women and girls in armed conflicts have never been as well documented as they are today. In conflicts and natural disasters, gender inequality aggravates difficulties and obstacles related to access to food, water, sanitation, hygiene, health, education, employment, housing and legal identity. "I welcome all measures taken to change this at national, regional and international levels. I encourage the international community to use the tools available, including financial incentives in which the private sector must participate as part of its social responsibility, to promote women's participation and contribution to peace and security".

Mrs. May Zanni, President of Women Act Greece, the Greek NGO, shared her association's experience, which can be a model of good practice for other countries in their contribution to further strengthening the role of women through collective efforts at local, regional and global levels. Greece continues to demonstrate its commitment to peace through its constant efforts to implement UN Resolution 1325, knowing that the absence of conflict in a country does not prevent it from taking action on it.

After the official part, the mood of the numerous guests - about 150 people - was animated by the beautiful artistic performances of the dance group "Sofistic-Jivo", under the direction of Mrs. Elina Topalska, choreographer, and the vocal performances of the graduates of the National Music School "Lyubomir Pipkov" - Sofia, thanks to the assistance of the Association of French Teachers in Bulgaria. The guests also enjoyed a caftan defile to the rhythm of Moroccan music. A raffle with prizes was organized /Moroccan and Bulgarian handicraft and cosmetic products/. Mrs. Maria Gabriel personally drew the winning tickets. Three of them won beautiful kaftans. Mrs. Ingrid Shikova, President of the Euroclub at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Marieta Garcia Jordàn, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba to the Republic of Bulgaria and also Mrs. Barbara Jaworska, Spouse of the Indian Ambassador.

A cocktail dinner followed, during which the guests tasted various Bulgarian drinks and Moroccan   dishes and, of course, the famous Moroccan tea with sweets, testifying to the art and know-how of Moroccan and Bulgarian cuisine.

Photos are courtesy of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco.

From left to right: H. E. Mrs. Zakia El Midaoui, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Republic of Bulgaria and Dean of the diplomatic corps in our country, Mrs. Maria Gabriel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Evelina Tsileva, President of the "More Women in Power" Association, greet the guests.