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Description
Roma constitute the most vulnerable population group of Greece. Compared to the general population, the life expectancy of the Roma people is shorter by 1 decade and they are increasingly impacted by transmittable and chronic diseases as well as high prevalence risk factors of chronic disease (i.e. obesity, smoking). The National Action Plan for their integration emphasizes vaccinations, leaving a noticeable gap in health promotion policies. In terms of health, Roma women are more vulnerable compared to the general population as they are at an increasingly high risk of domestic violence and limited educational opportunities. Even though many NGOs and organizations are active in the empowerment of Roma populations, social isolation, especially among Roma women, remains. This project aims to empower both Roma women and organizations (NGOs, universities, etc.) that work with Roma populations on issues related to health literacy, especially preventative medicine, and the human rights of Roma women. Specifically, the organisation will: a) research (qualitatively and quantitatively) and illustrate the educational needs of Roma women on topics concerning physical and mental health and human rights (nutrition, smoking, vaccinations, gynecological diseases, domestic violence), b) develop educational tools and special methodology for tackling the health literacy of Roma women, c) implement the attained methods in 5 regions (Volos, Thiva, Chalkida, Zefiri, Agia Varvara), initially on educators and then on the wider Roma population, d) assess the most effective tools, methodology, and type of educators (possibly with randomization) (Roma women </>25 years old, non-Roma women), and e) present and make available the developed tools to organisations working with Roma populations. The project will be implemented by Prolepsis in collaboration with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.