Representatives of regional NGOs in the field of countering violence against women and gender equality that have taken on the role of National Violence Against Women (VAW) Monitors took part in the meeting. The work of the national Monitors from the 30 countries includes identification, collection and translation into English of information about important events aimed at combating violence against women. Each National Monitor is responsible for the posting and regularly updating of the collected materials on the National Pages of the International Internet site STOPVAW (Stop Violence Against Women).

Bulgaria was represented by the Center of Women’s Studies and Policies (CWSP) – the Bulgarian STOPVAW Monitor. Being one of the most active national monitors, CWSP was invited to share its successful cooperation with women’s NGOs in Bulgaria in collecting information for the Bulgarian Page of STOPVAW. Additionally, the Bulgarian presentation illustrated the good practice undertaken by the CWSP of issuing an electronic Newsletter in Bulgarian reporting on different aspects of the anti-violence activities. The Newsletter is unique for the project and is divided in several subchapters: legal reforms, events, good practices and activities of the governmental and non-governmental sector countering gender based violence in Bulgaria and in the other 29 partnering countries.

The plan the National NGOs selected as National VAW Monitors to soon assume full management of the relevant Country Page with the assistance of expert staff members or consultants was discussed during the meeting. The fact that the Members of the European Parliament called for 2006 to be declared European Year against Violence Against Women supported the proposal of broadening the work of the National VAW Monitors. The proposal envisages that the monitors will prepare regularly updated, comprehensive reports on VAW in the region, using common methodology, containing well-detailed country-based information about the legal framework as they are reflected in international treaties and recommendations.