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Description
The project has two objectives: to empower young Roma women on gender equality issues and to raise awareness among the general public (including local and national stakeholders) about the situation of the Roma community, the challenges that arise between equality and equity, and the importance of rejecting institutional racism and discriminatory treatment of the Roma population. The key target groups of the project are:
1)Young Roma women (aged 15-29) who face intersectional discrimination (gender, ethnicity, age) and are consequently more vulnerable to the risk of social exclusion and poverty, suffering the consequences of low levels of education, employability, high incidence of violence against them, premature (unwanted) pregnancies and forced marriages, which further negatively potentiates the frequent misunderstanding and lack of knowledge of the procedures, rights and services offered by the state.
2)Local and national stakeholders, who are scattered in their actions and often limited by their own prejudices and lack of awareness, thus failing to contribute to a comprehensive inclusion (including gender equality) in society.
3)The (wider) public as a whole: The Roma community as a whole is confronted on a daily basis with prejudices, which drive a strongly negative public opinion, and often also affect the possibilities of active and equal integration into society. They are subjected to inadequate treatment when they try to benefit from the rights guaranteed, which shows us the fragility of the legislative, institutional and social framework that can only jointly and reciprocally ensure adequate treatment for all.
Summary of project results
The NAPREJ project aimed to address the effects of multi-layered discrimination that distances young Romni from gender equality the furthest. Romni in Slovenia live in highly unequal conditions, dying 22 years younger than the majority population and with more than 80% unemployed. Furthermore, violence against them is often overlooked and normalized. Despite a specific law for the protection of the Roma community, young Romni continue to face multi-layered discrimination and stereotypes that shape their lives both within and outside of Roma communities, as indicated by research conducted during the project.
Preparation and implementation of the educational and awareness-raising program NAPREJ for the empowerment of young Roma men and women, establishment and operation of a regional multi-stakeholder committee, inclusive preparation of a publication for raising awarness, final event with experts.
The NAPREJ project empowered young Romni on issues such as violence, education, employment, health, and social security through knowledge. They are now more sensitized to the concept and importance of gender equality, equipped with skills to actively overcome gender stereotypes. Public awareness of the stereotypes and prejudices still reproduced about the Roma community has been increased. Good practices and relevant information were gathered and are available for transfer to other Roma settlements and communities. The analysis of the conducted research among Romni provides a solid basis for further efforts.
Summary of bilateral results
Within the bilateral activities a study visit to Slovenia was organized with the aim of exchange of good practices on how to empower Roma people. Also planing for future collaboration was discused.