The Counterintuitive Institute’s project responds to democratic backsliding, shrinking civic space, and the widespread lack of understanding of cyber and technology-facilitated domestic violence. CII will encourage partnerships, provide a safe space for CSOs, media, and technology actors to share knowledge, and actively research and counter cyber violence while raising public awareness. CII is organising a major summit on 20 February, titled Driving Positive Disruption: Uniting for Safety in the Digital Age. The summit will create space for honest dialogue and joint action to challenge harmful systems and strengthen safety and resilience in the digital age. In the second phase, CII will run a campaign on tech-facilitated violence against women, responsible technologies, and democratic backsliding, featuring expert videos, articles, and other resources.
Catalyst of Change
Supporting a vibrant civil society in Europe
The Counterintuitive Institute (CI)
counterintuitive.euThe Counterintuitive Institute is a female-led organisation that challenges the status quo to promote positive social change. Drawing on lived experience, it develops practical solutions that address gaps in policy and impact, working closely with communities and partners in Bulgaria, across the EU, and beyond. Through this approach, the Institute mobilises communities, amplifies voices, and contributes to building a fairer world guided by inclusivity, courage, creativity, empathy, ethics, and perseverance.
About the Project
Women, Tech & Civic Space: Change and Empowerment through Coalition-Building
Communication Outputs
Project Communications
Publications
CII has developed three research-based articles featuring key supporters in the project (journalist Mina Kirkova, cybersecurity expert Margartita Kirilova, and ethical tech advocate David Ryan Polgar).
- Deus Ex Machina: Why We Still Need
More Women in Cybersecurity; - The Cyber World Next Door;
- Digital Futures, Democratic Stakes: Reflections on progressive ecosystem voices – in collaboration with
Further, CII produced a three-episode podcast discussing challenges and opportunities for Bulgarian NGOs dealing with the issues of gender equality in the digital age.
CII also developed an Ally Pack – a curated set of digital- and print-ready resources designed to support advocates, organisations, influencers and opinion leaders to raise awareness on online safety and ethical use of technology.
CII regularly shares social media updates on the launch of its Catalyst project and upcoming summit, inviting interested organisations and individuals to take part.
Social Media
Funded by the European Union
name
Catalyst of Change: Protecting the Union values by supporting a resilient, engaged and vocal civil society for the promotion of women’s rights, environmental justice and anti-corruption
partner
European Center for Not-for-Profit Law Stichting (ECNL)
duration
1 January 2023- 31 December 2026
budget
3,411.982 EUR
