Maria Velichkova of Bulgaria has been associated with WITT for two years. Meeting with other women who work in the ICT sphere is a source of inspiration and a way to develop strategies for enhancing both social and women’s rights in the region.

Maria Velichkova is a representative of Internet Rights Bulgaria Foundation. She has been working there since December 2003. The Foundation aims to promote the protection of human and social rights through the coordinated actions of social movements and NGOs in Bulgaria, the EU and all over the world through the use of the Internet.

The Foundation is a team of five people, two of whom are women. In addition to this core, there are various people developing specific projects.

Maria is an editor, journalist, project coordinator, and translator with IRBF and she is also involved in the Bulgarian WITT Focal Point. Participating in discussions and exchanging experience with other women from WITT helps her and inspires her. She considers her job very interesting because it is a way to learn new things all the time, make new contacts and meet new friends.

"Working in the social and human rights sector is very rewarding. You can help change things. It is very important for women’s NGOs to realize how strategic the use of ICT is if we are to become more visible and to accomplish our goals," said Maria.