Bulgaria

Introduction

A series of activities were implemented in Bulgaria within the framework of the Fairy Tales Project, aimed at introducing the topic of gender equality into the education of children aged 5-7 years, with the active involvement of their parents and teachers. These project activities were carried out in close cooperation with the directors and teachers at two kindergartens in Targovoshte. Their partnership on the project were indispensable to identifying the best solutions, pedagogical approaches and methodological adaptations to introducing the topic of gender equality in early childhood through the use of classic children's stories.

It might be a good idea to start presenting the national experience of Bulgaria, with an outline of the important laws, policies and regulations promoting gender equality as well as its introduction in early childhood education. They formed the basis for project activities aiming to contribute to questioning gender stereotypes for women and men and encouraging children to build safe and healthy relationships based on mutual respect and esteem.

Further, we will present the national perspective to the implementation of these activities and the experimental part of the project, with a focus on adapting to the pedagogical framework in the process of education in kindergartens and the local cultural characteristics. The summaries and conclusions will provide guidelines for sustainability and lasting presence of gender equality topics in the education of children aged 5-7 years.