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Description
Roma women across Europe face multiple discrimination – as members of a marginalized ethnic group they bear the consequences of ethnic and racial discrimination. The project aims at supporting Roma women in their efforts for self-empowerment. The project builds upon the long-term efforts of the grassroots network organization Union of Roma Mothers’ Centers (URMC) to develop their trans-local leadership in 9 towns and villages of one of the poorest regions of Central Slovakia. The efforts seek to build the capacity of the Roma women leaders to improve their skills, provide necessary tools and enhance their knowledge to combat multiple discrimination. It promotes Roma women leaders to be able to work better with their communities, respond to challenges, and further develop their leadership to overcome discrimination and existing barriers in political and economic participation. The key emphasis will be held in three areas, gender equality and combating gender-based violence, political participation, and economic participation. Partner organisations are taking active part in all project activities and are the key actors in communication with all regional stakeholders, marginalised Roma communities and non-Roma communities in their respective locations. The Norwegian partner SEIF is responsible for mutual exchange of experiences between the Roma activists from Oslo and URMC in the area of empowerment of Roma women.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to tackle challenges faced by Roma women, such as discrimination, social and political exclusion, and the difficulties of living in underdeveloped areas like Poltár. It also aimed to enhance the capacities of the Union of Roma Mothers’ Centers (URMC) by fostering self-development, improving community quality of life, and equipping activists with skills to strengthen their advocacy and community organizing efforts.
The project focused on empowering Roma women leaders by addressing their communities'' needs and enhancing their skills to combat discrimination. Key activities included eight workshops on gender equality, soft skills, and active citizenship, along with the development of educational materials enriched through collaboration with partners from Norway and the Czech Republic. Public events, such as International Roma Day celebrations and sports days, promoted inclusion by fostering connections between Roma and non-Roma communities.
The project successfully implemented all planned activities, achieving notable results. The project enhanced self-development and community-building for Roma women through the Union of Roma Mothers’ Centers. It organized eight workshops with 90 participants including workshops on soft skills and grassroots organizing. Public events on the occassion of International Roma Day were held in Detva, Banská Štiavnica, and Málinec, attracting about 200 attendees, including non-Roma participants. Two sporting events in Detva engaged 60 participants, fostering community involvement.
Educational materials were prepared and published online. Printed versions will support future activities by the project promoter and partners.
The “School of Participatory Democracy” in Detva engaged elementary school students in proposing potential projects. Publicity efforts included a project website and a short film, raising awareness about incusion of Roma people.
Summary of bilateral results
Poject promoter evaluated its cooperation with The Norwegian partner organization SEIF (Selvhjelp for Innvandrere og Flyktninger) as mutually beneficial and inspiring. The project partner especially appreciated the amount of experience and innovative practices they could exchange with their Norwegian partner SEIF. SEIF contributed with its long-term expertise and extensive experience in combating gender-based and domestic violence and empowering women in marginalized communities, including the Roma community, in Norway. SEIF helped with workshop preparations, provided examples of good practices, and contributed to the development of educational and informational materials. The project partner organized two Study visits to Norway. The Norwegian partner expressed also interest in learning more about the experience of Roma female leaders in community organizing in Slovakia and thus enhance their own work with the Roma community in Norway.