Gender Equality for Roma Community (GER)

Description

The project focuses on 5 key areas to achieve a positive change in awareness of gender equality (mainly) among MRC people and to improve the situation of Roma girls and women in selected communities: the educational activities carried out at elementary and secondary schools focused on the issue of gender equality and the position of Roma women in Slovakia (workshops with children on gender equality on the occasion of the IWD, IRD and others, the campaign and popularization aimed at promoting the dignity of Roma women and gender equality in general, the direct support for Roma girls and women to promote gender equality in the family through activities devoted to parents with babies, The empowering of Roma girls and women to strengthen their own choices and themes through community work – the activities creating a safe space for women where they themselves will define their needs and the topics they want to address (sharing experiences, inviting experts on agreed topics and problems that women are interested in and the development of Christian faith as a tool of gender equality and understanding among women.

Summary of project results

The Gender Equality for Roma Communities project was designed to empower women from marginalized Roma communities while raising awareness about gender equality. The project targeted challenges such as:

• The compounded disadvantages faced by Roma girls and women, including inadequate education, high rates of teenage motherhood, and limited access to healthcare and sanitation.
• Gender inequalities prevalent in marginalized Roma communities, further exacerbated by extreme poverty and social exclusion.
• Misconceptions and stereotypes about gender equality, including the perception that it contradicts Christian beliefs.

The project addressed these challenges by creating opportunities for Roma women and girls to realize their potential and dignity, promoting gender equality within their communities, and fostering broader societal understanding.

The project implemented a series of activities focused on direct support, education, and awareness-raising:

• Community Work with Roma Women: Regular women’s meetings were organized in community centers, fostering leadership and empowering participants to shape the content of the sessions. Activities included skill development, guided reading of stories featuring strong female protagonists, and discussions on gender equality. Fathers were also involved in parenting workshops to improve intergenerational relationships and promote understanding between genders.
• Educational Activities: Workshops on gender equality and the status of Roma women were conducted in primary and secondary schools, directly engaging 320 children in 24 sessions.
• Creative Campaigns: Collaborative initiatives included the production of calendars with portraits of influential Roma women, exhibitions of children’s artwork, and quartet card games highlighting female saints and activists. These campaigns celebrated Roma women’s achievements and strengthened community pride.
• Faith-Based Discussions: Biblical texts were used as a tool to discuss gender equality, fostering understanding and respect within the framework of Christian beliefs.

Good Practice: Empowering Roma Women Through Community-Centered Methodology

The Gender Equality for Roma Communities project is an exemplary case of integrating gender equality principles into community work, especially among socially excluded groups. The project’s methodological approach stands out for its emphasis on participation, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity, ensuring that its interventions were both effective and sustainable.

1. Participatory Approach: Co-Designing Solutions with Roma Women

The project placed Roma women at the heart of its activities, fostering a sense of ownership and agency. This participatory methodology included:

• Women-Led Meetings: Regular gatherings in community centers allowed women to co-create the content and focus of discussions, based on their interests and needs. This approach built trust and encouraged active engagement.
• Role Model Development: Women were inspired to take leadership roles within their communities by organizing activities and sharing their experiences. For example, some women led workshops or facilitated parenting sessions for others in their communities.

2. Empowerment Through Skills Development

The project provided women with the tools to build self-esteem and break cycles of dependence. Key elements included:

• Skill-Building Sessions: Women engaged in workshops that equipped them with practical skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and decision-making. These sessions also addressed personal development topics like confidence-building and overcoming stereotypes.
• Guided Reading Activities: The methodology incorporated storytelling, featuring strong female protagonists, as a means to challenge traditional gender roles. This technique empowered women to reimagine their own potential and capabilities.

3. Contextual Sensitivity and Cultural Alignment

The project’s success was underpinned by its alignment with the cultural and religious values of Roma communities. This included:

• Faith-Based Discussions: Discussions on gender equality were framed through biblical stories and texts, allowing participants to reflect on the value of equality within a familiar religious context. This strategy helped dispel misconceptions that gender equality contradicts Christian beliefs.
• Integration of Local Traditions: Activities were tailored to resonate with the participants’ cultural backgrounds, ensuring relevance and acceptance.

4. Multi-Generational Engagement

A significant innovation was the inclusion of men and children in the project to promote broader social change:

• Fathers’ Parenting Workshops: These sessions improved intergenerational relationships and provided fathers with tools to support their daughters’ education and self-esteem.
• Youth Involvement: Through school workshops and creative activities, children learned about gender equality, Roma role models, and cultural pride. This generational engagement ensured that the project’s messages reached entire families.

5. Creative Campaigns and Awareness-Raising

The project utilized artistic and participatory tools to engage both Roma and non-Roma audiences:

• Calendars and Exhibitions: Visual storytelling, such as portraits of inspiring Roma women, celebrated achievements within the community and showcased positive role models.
• Educational Games: Tools like a quartet card game featuring female saints and activists reinforced messages of gender equality in a playful and engaging manner.
• Community Events: Public exhibitions and discussions fostered dialogue between Roma communities and the broader population, reducing prejudice and promoting mutual understanding.

6. Long-Term Impact and Sustainability

The project’s methodology prioritized lasting change by:

• Developing Leadership: By empowering Roma women to take on leadership roles, the project ensured a ripple effect within communities.
• Building Networks: Collaboration with local organizations and schools strengthened the support system for Roma women and girls.
• Producing Reusable Resources: The creation of educational materials (e.g., storybooks, workbooks) ensured that the project’s impact could be sustained and scaled in other communities.

This project demonstrates how thoughtful, community-centered methodologies can transform deeply rooted gender dynamics and foster inclusion in even the most marginalized settings.

The project delivered important impacts for multiple groups:

• Roma Women and Girls: Participants developed essential skills, enhanced self-esteem, and learned to advocate for their rights. Women leaders emerged within the communities, taking on active roles in organizing local activities and inspiring others.
• Children and Youth: Through school workshops and creative activities, children gained knowledge about gender equality and Roma role models, fostering a sense of identity and pride.
• Wider Communities: Campaigns and exhibitions bridged the gap between Roma communities and the majority population, promoting mutual respect and understanding.
• Broader Impact: The project’s approach to gender equality as a value embedded in daily life and community relationships created a foundation for sustained change.