The WomanUp Foundation works for gender equality and the protection of women's rights in all spheres of public life. We promote female leadership, fight gender-based violence, and support access to reproductive health, education, and social justice. Our vision is for a Bulgaria in which every woman lives freely, empowered, and with equal opportunities – in a society that recognizes caring work, respects diversity, and places human dignity at the heart of its development. The Foundation was established in 2023 by three working mothers: Victoria, Maya, and Violeta.
The WomanUp Foundation is a member of the Bulgarian Platform of the European Women's Lobby, the National Network for Children, EL*C, AWID, and the Feminist Leadership Hub.
Who Are We?
Victoria Kostova
Executive Director and Project Manager
Victoria has been working in the fields of culture and human rights for the last 7 years, with experience in activities such as fundraising, advocacy, training and coordination. She has worked for various Bulgarian and foreign organizations such as European Alternatives, BILOURA Collective, new visions, Association “GARAGE - collective platform for independent artists”, Foundation “Edno”, Fordefestivalen and others.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in “Journalism” from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, a master’s degree in “Management of cultural organizations and creative industries” from New Bulgarian University and the “European Diploma in Cultural Project Management” program at the “Marcel Hicter” Foundation. She has undergone various international trainings in project management such as Atelier for Young Festival Managers, ISPM, Goethe Academy for Cultural Management and others.
Maya Geneva
Project Coordinator and Trainer
Maya is a long-time activist in the field of social justice. She is currently part of the WomanUp Foundation, where she works to empower women through education, advocacy, and social projects. She holds a BA in Public Administration from Paisii Hilendarski University and a MA in Linguistics from the New Bulgarian University.
With extensive experience as an English teacher and academic mentor, Maya combines pedagogical approaches with activism to create a more accessible and inclusive environment for young girls and women. She has participated in a number of initiatives aimed at the social integration of vulnerable groups, including working with Roma children, people with eating disorders, and projects to protect women's rights. Her dedication to the cause is expressed not only in her professional activities, but also in volunteer projects and trainings aimed at social change and equality.