As a part of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Golden World Awards for PR Excellence, the European Commission’s digital services special award 2014 has gone to a 
Bulgarian campaign to help improve young women’s literacy.
The IPRA Golden World Awards for PR Excellence are managed by the Stevie Awards, the world's premier business awards program.
The “Special award for 2014 for PR with an objective of progress in digital inclusion within the EU” went to Bulgarian PR agency United Partners, on behalf of their client Procter and Gamble and their brand “Always”. “Always” made donations equipping 10 Bulgarian schools with suites that turn school classes into exciting interactive experiences.
“We are all so proud in the agency to get this special award and as a woman I was proud to have run this campaign”, said Maria Gergova, managing director of United Partners.
In selecting the campaign, European Commission Vice-President Neelie Kroes, said “Promoting digital skills and literacy for girls and women will help build the European economy.”
The Bulgarian campaign is part of a broader initiative between Always and UNESCO to support young women’s education through holistic cause-related marketing. It will provide tens of thousands of girls and women globally with literacy and numeracy classes. A Bulgarian 2011 study, on the performance of 15 year-old students in Bulgaria, showed that around 40% of teenagers had difficulty in understanding an oral text. More than 2000 girls initially shared and supported the campaign. After a Facebook page launch, it has now led to a community of over 155,000 Bulgarian girls. More on the global campaign here.
The rest of the 2014 IPRA Golden World Awards winners were announced in June. Learn more about IPRA and the top winners, and see the full list of winners here.
Join the mailing list for the 2015 IPRA Golden World Awards, the world's top PR Awards, to recieve the entry kit by email when it's available. Entries will open in February and the early-bird deadline is in April.
About IPRA
IPRA is the organiser of the annual Golden World Awards for excellence – PR's global awards scheme. With 60 years of experience, IPRA, recognised by the United Nations, is now present throughout the world wherever public relations are practiced. IPRA welcomes all those within the profession who share its aim and who wish to be part of the IPRA worldwide fellowship. For more information please visit: www.ipra.org
