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Description
The project aimed to ultimately promote equality and prevent-combat discrimination, anti-Roma sentiment, and the social-economic exclusion of the Roma. In Greece, the Roma community, estimated at approximately 265,000 individuals (2.47% of the population), faces significant challenges in social inclusion. Despite the adoption of the “Greek National Strategy and Action Plan for the Social Inclusion of Roma 2021-2030,” which addresses key areas such as education, employment, healthcare, and housing, many Roma continue to experience marginalization, poverty, and discrimination.
Despite these initiatives, the Roma community in Greece continues to face significant obstacles to full social inclusion, necessitating sustained and comprehensive efforts to address systemic issues and promote equality.
In this context, the specific project contributed significantly to reducing inequalities, especially among Roma women, by providing specialized counseling that enables them to recognize their strengths and, based on these, integrate into the labor market. At the same time, the counseling helped identify weaknesses and proposes solutions for improvement so that these do not become obstacles to changing professional orientation.
The awareness and sensitization actions significantly contributed to identifying the unique characteristics of Roma women, promoting their culture, and raising awareness on issues such as education, early marriages, medical prevention and care, and career guidance.
Summary of project results
Main challenges were: a) Finding the proper manner to reach Roma women and youth, especially those in marginalized communities, proved difficult due to cultural barriers, mistrust of external interventions, and limited access to information. Lower-than-expected initial participation rates in counseling and awareness sessions highlighted the need for tailored outreach strategies. b) Preventing misconceptions and traditional practices, such as early marriages, required careful, culturally sensitive approaches. Efforts to address these issues were more effective when community leaders or trusted figures were involved. c) Limited access to some Roma settlements due to remote locations or inadequate infrastructure caused delays in delivering services. Regular scheduling and flexibility in session planning helped mitigate these barriers. d) Continued follow-up and integration into broader community development plans were deemed essential for lasting change. e) Developing coordination between multiple partners and stakeholders required significant effort to ensure consistent quality and timely implementation. Regular communication and joint progress reviews were critical in maintaining alignment.
The project had two actions: Consultation Actions and Awareness -Stereotype Elimination Actions. The main results have been 2,000 counseling sessions and the development of 20 business plans. 125 counseling sessions on family planning, contraception, and primary healthcare.125 awareness sessions for Roma mothers with newborns or very young children (0–3 years old) on child primary healthcare and vaccinations.40 on-site visits to Roma households to raise awareness about the severe negative consequences of child marriages, particularly for girls.
Organization of a social media awareness campaign on the same issue. Publication of a book. Organization of two awareness/mobilization events to prevent substance abuse.
Organization of two awareness events on preventing school dropout.
The main outcomes of the project include:
1. Empowerment of Roma Women and Mothers.
Acquisition of knowledge and skills in family planning, contraception, and primary healthcare.
Awareness of child primary healthcare and the importance of vaccination.
Providing specialized counseling sessions for Roma women and mothers to address issues such as personal development.
2. Documentation and Promotion of Roma Traditional Culture:
Publication of a book highlighting elements of Roma folk culture, fostering understanding and acceptance in the broader society.
3. Awareness and Sensitization on Critical Social Issues:
Information on the negative consequences of child marriages through targeted actions on social media and on-site visits.
Raising awareness about addiction prevention through seminars in different regions.
Education on preventing school dropout, emphasizing the value of education within Roma communities.
4. Contribution to Social Inclusion and Reduction of Inequalities:
Development of skills and confidence for the integration of Roma women into the labor market. Promotion of a positive image of Roma communities through cultural actions and awareness efforts.
5. Multiplier Benefits for Roma Communities:
Dissemination of knowledge and benefits to the broader communities through the participation and engagement of the beneficiaries.
6. Development of Social Skills: Beneficiaries enhanced their interpersonal and professional communication abilities.
7. Career Guidance: Participants gained clarity on career paths and opportunities aligned with their skills and aspirations.
8. Knowledge of Job Search Techniques: Beneficiaries learned practical methods for finding employment, such as resume building, interview preparation, and networking.
9. Development of Business Plans: Support was provided to create viable and realistic business plans tailored to individual entrepreneurial goals.
• Interventions that considered the specific needs, cultural context, and socioeconomic conditions of Roma communities were more effective.
• Lessons from monitoring reports emphasized the importance of customizing counseling sessions and awareness campaigns.
• Engaging Roma community leaders and local influencers in planning and implementation fostered greater trust and participation.
• Combining counseling with awareness campaigns created a holistic approach that addressed both immediate and systemic issues.
• Campaigns addressing early marriages, education, and health prevention had a positive impact, but more intensive and sustained efforts are required to shift deeply ingrained norms.
• The short duration of the project was a limitation for ensuring sustained behavioral and cultural shifts.
• Real-time feedback from beneficiaries and regular monitoring of progress enabled timely adjustments to implementation strategies.