The Wake Up Foundation: Empowering Women, Changing Lives
The Wake Up Foundation (TWKF) is the natural evolution of over a decade of tireless advocacy for women’s rights. It stems from the creation of Bulgaria’s largest Facebook group for women survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, boasting over 9,700 members since its inception in 2018. Recognizing the urgent need for systematic support, awareness campaigns, and advocacy, the foundation was established to address these challenges head-on.
Today, TWKF is a leading voice for women's and human rights advocacy in Bulgaria. Its programs are rooted in survivors' real-life experiences and acute needs, drawn from their daily interactions in the Facebook group.
Recognized Impact
In 2023, TWKF’s coalition-building and advocacy efforts were instrumental in changing Bulgaria’s domestic violence laws. These accomplishments earned the foundation the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee's "Human of the Year 2023" award, the nation’s most prestigious human rights honor.
Collaborating for Change
TWKF has a long-standing partnership with the Educational Association ANIMA Barcelona, which is united in the fight against gender violence and advocacy for human rights. In October 2024, the two NGOs launched a groundbreaking pilot program introducing Bulgarian women survivors to the transformative power of Dance and Movement Therapy (DMT). This innovative group intervention methodology helps survivors process trauma caused by domestic violence in a safe and therapeutic space.
With the success of the initial sessions, both organizations are committed to expanding this program, offering more survivors the opportunity to heal through movement and regain control of their lives.
Together, we strive to build a society where every woman feels safe, supported, and empowered to live free from violence. Let’s continue to wake up the world to this vital mission. 🌟
Mental Health Matters: ANIMA Barcelona’s Impact at InHolland University
In the wake of the global mental health crisis that has only intensified following the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of personal responsibility for mental fitness has never been clearer.
Recent statistics underscore the urgency:
📊 According to a 2023 study by Harvard Medical School and the University of Queensland, 1 in 2 people globally will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime.
📊 A National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) report revealed that in 2021, more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults—or 57.8 million people—lived with a mental illness.
This rising tide of mental health challenges calls for action—not only from individuals but also from socially responsible institutions that prioritize mental well-being across workplaces, schools, and communities.
ANIMA Barcelona Joins InHolland University to Inspire Mental Fitness
When ANIMA Barcelona was invited to deliver Mental Health and Embodiment lectures to first-year students at InHolland University, we were thrilled to contribute to such a forward-thinking initiative. Our Dance and Movement Therapy experts worked with nearly 70 first-year students from the Business Innovation program to address vital topics, including:
What We Did
Exercises for Inner Grounding
Students learned and practiced somatically informed exercises to help them remain calm and focused during stressful periods. These tools empower them to manage pressure with greater ease and composure.
Leadership and Team-Building Through Movement
We integrated leadership games, fun movement exercises, and pair activities to foster connection, creativity, and teamwork among the new peers.
Building Peer Relationships
Through interactive and engaging activities, students were encouraged to get to know each other and form bonds to support them throughout their university journey.
The Results
By the end of the sessions, the students experienced:
✨ Higher energy levels and uplifted spirits
✨ Greater creativity and a sense of community
✨ Practical tools to build resilience and enhance their mental fitness
Creating a Culture of Care
This collaboration with InHolland University reflects our shared commitment to equipping young adults with the tools to thrive—mentally, emotionally, and socially. In a world where mental health is becoming a global priority, partnerships like this are essential for nurturing resilience and well-being in future leaders.
Together, we’re not just addressing the mental health crisis—we’re empowering individuals to rise above it. 🌟
Blijf Groep: 50 Years of Combating Domestic Violence
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, Blijf Groep is one of the Netherlands' most respected and pioneering domestic violence shelters. For five decades, the organization has been dedicated to stopping domestic and gender violence, including the often-overlooked cases of coercive control. Blijf Groep provides comprehensive support to all those impacted by the cycle of violence:
Their mission is clear: to eliminate violence from society and create safety through personalized, systemic support. Blijf Groep offers assistance through home-based services, crisis shelters, residential programs, and extensive group support for children, teens, and adults. With branches in North Holland and Flevoland, Blijf Groep continues to lead in innovative approaches to tackling domestic violence.
ANIMA Barcelona’s Dance and Movement Therapy at Oranje Huis
In collaboration with Blijf Groep, ANIMA Barcelona brought its expertise in Dance and Movement Therapy (DMT) to survivors of domestic abuse residing in the Oranje Huis shelter in Amsterdam. The intervention was tailored to support women rebuilding their lives after abuse and aimed to improve their quality of life while reducing anxiety and enhancing self-esteem.
Program Overview
Preliminary Sessions
Main intervention - semi-closed group
Therapeutic Tools
Grounding exercises and Circle Greek Dances
Research and Impact
The program was meticulously designed to not only provide therapeutic relief but also to track measurable outcomes, such as:
Participants signed consent agreements to support both the therapy and follow-up research. The intervention received support from multiple academic institutions, including:
A Safe Space for Healing
By combining creative expression, therapeutic movement, and cultural traditions, ANIMA Barcelona’s intervention empowered survivors to process trauma, rebuild their sense of self, and reclaim their personal agency.
The collaboration between Blijf Groep and ANIMA Barcelona represents a powerful example of how systemic support from private and public institutions and innovative therapy can transform lives, fostering healing and resilience in the face of adversity.
For more on Blijf Groep’s systemic approach, visit their website.
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