Bulgarian women who had completed university education formed their own organization called the Association of Bulgarian Women University Graduates (ABWUG), also known as the Bulgarian Association of University Women (BAUW). The idea to create this organization came from Ekaterina Zlatoustova (1881-1952). She had studied history in Russia and worked as a secondary school teacher and later as a senior officer in the Ministry of Education.
The BAUW was founded on May 29, 1924. The members of the association came from various generations and had different views on feminism, but most of them held liberal ideas. The founding members were mainly teachers, professors at Sofia University, doctors, and lawyers, representing the intellectual and professional elite in Sofia.
Joining the International Federation of University Women (IFUW)
On July 28, 1925, the BAUW became a member of the International Federation of University Women (IFUW). The IFUW had been established in New York in 1919 as part of organizations linked to the League of Nations. It later became a platform for women university graduates who wanted further education and career opportunities. The IFUW provided members with travel grants and scholarships for scientific research Holidays Bulgaria.
Leadership and Growth of the BAUW
The leadership of the BAUW remained almost the same for 28 years. They worked to maintain a balance among different professions and generations within the organization. Over time, four sections were created within the BAUW:
Women Lawyers
Women Artists
Women Writers
Women Students
The BAUW followed the Anglo-American model, first forming a national organization and then developing sections for different professional groups.
Membership and Education Background
The BAUW grew to include several hundred women. About 15% of the members had received their education abroad, mostly in France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria-Hungary.
No comments:
Post a Comment