Description
General objective: Promotion of integrated interethnic community models of support for women victims from rural area a. Assistance of vulnerable victims from three rural communities from Iaşi, Suceava and Neamţ counties in social inclusion through integrated services, therapeutic assistance, entrepreneurial development and courses of home carers. b. Promotion of active citizenship in 3 rural interehtnic communities and promotion of women rights through development of advocacy for women groups from rural area through community events and as a final product we will realize a interview book: Her Story – Women in rural inter ethnic communities c. Consolidation of NGOs capacities of women assistance at regional and national level–through organizational development. Beneficiaries: a. 75 Romanian and Roma women, age: at least 18, who are living in 3 rural interethnic communities from commune Voineşti - Iaşi County, commune Crăcăoani - Neamţ County, commune Pătrăuţi – Suceava County; b. Three NGO partners.
Summary of project results
The rate of female victims of domestic violence in rural areas, especially in the north-east region of Romania, is extremely high, even though few of the victims talk about their experiences. The economic crisis pushed many disadvantaged women to look for jobs in other EU countries. The abuses that they were subject to over the years led them to accept jobs in the black market or to sell sexual services. The project aimed to promote integrated models of support for women victims from rural areas. 110 Roma and non Roma women from Patrauti, Cracaoani and Voinesti participated in an integrated empowerment programme that consisted in 12 workshops (social art, social justice, community health, social mobilising, with horizontal themes like equal chances, non-discrimination, counselling, individual and group therapy for women who are victims of family violence, leadership, community organising, decision-making processes, communication). 3 qualification courses in “home care” were organised and 76 women received certificates. A research study (“Her Life”) was developed and interviews were recorded. These activities changed mentalities and the life of the Roma women beneficiaries in terms of empowerment, increase of self-esteem, more chances to obtain decent jobs and engagement in community life. For example, one young Roma woman enrolled to candidate at the local elections in 2016 (in Voinesti, Slobozia Deal village, with 90% Roma population). In all three communities the Roma women analysed and prioritised community needs and approached future candidates at the local elections in 2016 in order for these needs to be solved. Following the final conference in Iasi, the local television intends to initiate a TV show for promoting local models and stimulating civic participation, especially of the Roma women from rural areas.
Summary of bilateral results