An expert on gender, youth and children’s issues with the Municipality of Veliko Turnovo has been appointed since June 1^st, 2004. Among the future responsibilities of Mrs. Gergana Evtimova (026/ 619 209) will be the development of an action plan promoting gender equality on the local level.

The Center of Women's Studies and Policies congratulates the mayor’s office and Mrs. Evtimova on this appointment. This step clearly indicates the serious and profound attitude of the local government towards its functions, by promotion of policies and actions, guaranteeing gender equality on local level and thus improving the quality of life for all citizens of the Municipality.

The General Secretary of the Municipality shared with the team of the Center of Women's Studies and Policies that the idea for establishing this post emerged in the course of the discussions during the Sixth National Annual Meeting of NGOs in Bulgaria, working on gender equality issues, which took place from 5^th to 7^th of March, 2004 in Sofia.

The Center of Women's Studies and Policies undertook to help the Municipal team with the development of the local action plan on gender equality.

We believe that Veliko Turnovo’s innovation will be soon followed by other municipalities as well.