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Description
Project "I Have a Dream" aims to evaluate, implement and disseminate new methods of empowerment of Roma women and girls through advocacy based on the following elements: (a) development of personal skills and self-esteem, and (b) implementation of innovative Norwegian models for direct advocacy through methods of art and culture. The project is designed to (a) build an internal (Roma community) and an external (public opinion) environment demonstrating respect for Roma women as individuals, and at the same time (b) provide Roma women with tools to stand up for themselves as persons capable of asserting their rights, interests and dreams. The project will achieve its aims through innovative methods of empowerment through direct advocacy. It is implemented jointly with the Norwegian NGO KUN. They have extensive experience in empowering vulnerable social groups and are committed to the cause of protecting the rights of women and minorities.
The main expected results of the project are:
(a) a study and analysis of good empowerment practices; (b) conducted trainings for 60 Roma women for the development of personal skills and knowledge of empowerment through advocacy: (c) seminars conducted and established network of female Roma clubs through art, folklore and deliberative discussions; (d) the project''s information campaign will reach at least 25 000 people and at least 5000 Roma; (e) the innovative methods of empowerment through advocacy will be approbated in 6 cities.
Summary of project results
women by enhancing their advocacy skills and supporting their efforts to organize and defend their interests before local and central authorities. This initiative was bolstered by the support of the Norwegian partner, KUN - Centre for Equality and Diversity. It employed two primary approaches: a) fostering personal skills development and self-confidence among the target group; and b) adopting and adapting innovative Norwegian models of direct advocacy that leverage arts and cultural methods. The overarching goals of the project were to a) cultivate an environment both within the Roma community (internal) and in the broader public sphere (external) that respects Roma women as individuals, and b) equip Roma women with the necessary tools to assert themselves as active agents capable of advocating for their rights, interests, and aspirations.
The project facilitated deliberative discussions across six localities—Rakitovo, Dupnitsa, Kyustendil, Botevgrad, Radomir, and Blagoevgrad—engaging approximately 150 participants. Three research reports were prepared, discussed, and disseminated, focusing on the role and situation of Roma women in Bulgaria and the experiences of Roma in Norway. An information campaign was also conducted on social networks to broaden public awareness. Advocacy campaigns were organized in the aforementioned localities, resulting in the establishment of six Roma women''s clubs where members participated in 18 soft skills training sessions. Additionally, two national meetings of Roma women''s clubs were held, alongside a traveling exhibition showcasing photographs of successful Roma women who serve as role models.
The project implemented and evaluated a model of direct advocacy designed to empower target groups and enable them to organize and effectively present their interests to local and central authorities. LARGO, alongside the target groups, enhanced their capacity to orchestrate and execute successful direct advocacy campaigns across various sectors, including health, social policies, education, and culture.
Awareness of the project and its goals was raised among the general public, media, and local authorities through a comprehensive public awareness campaign. This campaign included the dissemination of printed materials such as reports, booklets, brochures, and posters, alongside a traveling exhibition, two national meetings, and the advocacy campaigns conducted in the six localities.
The project also significantly contributed to the development of LARGO, attracting new followers, expanding its support base, and enhancing the team’s expertise.
Summary of bilateral results
KUN - Center for Equality and Diversity, with extensive experience in empowering vulnerable social groups, played a pivotal role in this project. Committed to protecting the rights of women and minorities, KUN''s contributions included producing video messages, participating in meetings, sharing insights about Roma in Norway and Norwegian projects for ethnic minorities, and authoring a comprehensive report on Roma in Europe and Norway.The project significantly enhanced the development of Roma women across six localities and is set to continue through a newly awarded project focusing on the same theme. It has established best practices for direct advocacy, now available to all NGOs and informal civil society groups eager to leverage this mechanism to defend their interests. The sustainability of the results is ensured because the project demonstrated the model''s effectiveness and applicability in our country. The experience and knowledge gained are accessible to all, fostering broader application.Direct advocacy practices have been successfully replicated for various civic causes across the country, including advocacy campaigns for the rule of law and national-level trainings on the topic. Additionally, the direct advocacy approach has been integrated into the civic education curriculum at the Spanish High School in Sofia and Softuni BUDITEL, further expanding its impact.