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Power in pictures: Young people against violence
Originally published in Bulgarian at Bluelink.net
“Women are not toys.” That’s the name of the poster by 17-year-old Kaloyan. He’s a student at the Professional High School of Applied Arts (PGPI) in Smolyan and is one of dozens of young people who used their art to say “No!” to domestic violence. The exhibition, organized by the Rodopchanka Women’s Club, brings together the youth, talent, and civic engagement of a new generation that refuses to remain silent.
How it all began
The Rodopchanka Women’s Club in Smolyan was founded by several courageous women on a mission and now has over 20 years of experience. The main focus of this active civic organization is the rights of women and children. In 2018, Rodopchanka decided to do something new to combat violence that is hidden in silence and behind closed doors. They organized a drawing competition entitled “STOP violence against girls and women!” with the participation of students from PGPI Smolyan and the support of the Bulgarian Women’s Fund. The result is a series of impressive works on this difficult and important social issue. They find their place in schools, university branches, and youth spaces. In order to reach more people, the exhibition went on tour – the mobile youth group of the Young Researchers for Youth Development Association (MIMR) showed it in various small towns in the Rhodopes, such as Madan, Rudozem, and Chepinets. The success of this initiative inspired the next step.
Art with a civic stance
In 2025, Rodopchanka and the art school joined forces again, this time with the support of the Municipality of Smolyan and its Youth Activities Fund. The project “Power in Drawing: Speak Out Against Violence!” was born—a new opportunity for young artists to express their civic stance through what they do best. The competition attracted dozens of students who participated with their drawings, posters, and visual messages. At the same time, an open workshop was organized where any girl or boy could create their work on the theme with the help of a mentor and provided materials. The whole process was conceived not as a competition, but as an experience, reflection, and expression.
One exhibition, many voices
The exhibition opened on March 21, 2025, in the new “Zone of the Brave” space in Smolyan, created specifically for such initiatives. “Zone of the Brave” was created with the assistance of the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation (WCIF) and is co-financed by the European Union. Dozens of works took their place in the exhibition, each with its own story and means of expression. Judging by what is on display, the young artists tackle the serious problem directly and unconditionally. Some posters are direct, harsh, and even chilling. Others are more delicate and “quiet.” But all of them, without exception, express an attitude. Today, these works are part of the permanent exhibition in the “Zone of the Brave” to remind us that every voice matters.
The beginning of a difficult conversation
It is difficult to measure impact when it comes to art. However, there are benchmarks. Local media covered the event, and posts on social media garnered over 200 shares. At the same time, according to the organizers, the project’s Instagram profile has over 2,000 followers. The initiative is attracting interest among teachers, students, parents, and schools. People who visited the exhibition are commenting on it online. The project is achieving its goal—people are talking about the exhibition, discussing individual works, and talking about domestic violence. This is further proof that art is the natural universal language in which we can talk about important things.
Perhaps the most important aspect of the initiative, however, is that it fosters a sense of civic responsibility and initiative among young people. Change for the better does not happen with indifference and silence. Real change begins when someone stops and says, “This is not normal. Let’s do something about it!” — and others join them.
A story with a developing plot
The Rodopchanka Women’s Club does not intend to stop there. The next step is even more ambitious—organizing a new regional drawing competition with three age groups, more participants, and more events. With the support of the local library, a new exhibition will be organized, as well as a round table with the participation of institutions, parents, and experts. At the same time, the organization is preparing to set up a counseling office where victims of violence can receive professional help. The specialists are already in place; all that remains is the necessary funding.
How can you help?
Help can come in many forms, and each one is important. If you are a teacher, artist, parent, or simply someone with a cause, you can become part of the initiative. The Rodopchanka Women’s Club is looking for volunteers, mentors, supporters, and partners. It needs donations, working materials, and exhibition spaces. It also needs people to help with logistics, communication, or storytelling skills.
The BlueLink civil action network tells 7 stories about initiatives by members of Ravni BG, focusing on the strategic use of information technologies. Ravni BG brings together 37 civil society organizations working in areas such as human rights protection, vulnerable groups, sustainable development, the rule of law, and advocacy. The project is implemented with the support of the Solidarity Fund of Ravni BG.
Published within the framework of “Ravni BG,” with financial support from the Solidarity Fund of “Ravni BG,” the funds for which have been provided to the Bulgarian Fund for Women (BFW) under the Strong and Resilient Civil Society in Europe program of the European philanthropic initiative for democracy and solidarity Civitates of the Network of European Foundations.
More digital stories from BlueLink.net about “Ravni BG”:
DigiComs: Gateway to Civil Society
Brave hearts: People with disabilities are changing the face of volunteering
Truth before lies: How Factcheck.bg fights misinformation
Help Where It Counts: Lessons from Mission Wings’ Mobile Team
