This is why the Împreună (Together) Agency started the project "Knowing the Roma beside us."
At the heart of "Knowing the Roma beside us" are two powerful video campaigns: "About This Mask" and "Racism is Over." These videos confront the pervasive stereotypes against Roma people. "Racism is Over" employs humour to shed light on the challenges faced by Roma people, urging non-Roma viewers to rethink their preconceptions and to join efforts against racism. Both videos have been meticulously crafted to be shared across social media platforms.
Racism is over’ wanted to show all the experiences that you have to handle as
Roma. In brief, it's about facing problems of integration and exclusion as
an ethnic Roma, just because you are different in someone's eyes. It's
an enormous question mark about all the preconceptions that we took for
granted and we perpetuated over the years. Alexandra Tipter, Communcation Manager at Împreună Agency.
©Împreună (Together) Agency
But the project doesn’t stop at digital outreach!
The videos have also been integrated into workshops on diversity and inclusion. The project recognised the importance of providing education on equality and non-discrimination from early ages. After creating the videos and education materials, the project team went on a tour visiting schools and universities in Bucharest and Ilfov, engaging students in discussions on diversity and inclusion. The videos have challenged biases and sparked conversations among students.
To continue the dialogue after the workshops, the project team offer a virtual challenge on TikTok called "Unknown Ethnics". In this virtual challenge, students can engage with the stories of Roma people to learn about Roma culture, language, history to combat prejudices and misconceptions.
©Împreună (Together) Agency
The project also has an Inclusion Ambassador component, and finally an exhibition called ‘The love that breaks down the walls’. The exhibition celebrates the achievements of Roma people across various fields. Through photographs and personal stories, it illuminates the resilience and triumphs of the Roma community. The EEA and Norway Grants is happy to highlight the resilience and triumphs as well in honour of the International Roma Day.
©Împreună (Together) Agency
"Knowing the Roma beside us" is created and implemented by Împreună Community Development Agency Foundation, who are driven by a vision of societal harmony and equality. For over two decades, they have tirelessly advocated for Roma rights and socio-economic development, recognizing the power of dialogue and collaboration in effecting lasting change.
The Knowing the Roma beside us project advocated for building a more united and supportive community, where each individual is valued and respected for who they are. It is about profoundly transforming mindsets and perceptions to create an environment where diversity is celebrated and where every child has the chance to reach their full potential. And we know that we need time to build all this, we need courage to do so, we need organizations like Impreuna Agency for Commnunity Development Foundation to stand up for it. Iulia Vizi, Communications Specialist, Active Citizens Fund Romania
Funded by the EEA and Norway Grants, "Knowing the Roma beside us" exemplifies the transformative potential of Roma grassroots activism. By amplifying silenced voices, challenging systemic injustices, and fostering genuine understanding, the Împreună Agency and its collaborators have laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable society. These iniatives are funded by the EEA and Norway Grants to support Roma inclusion and empowerment as a part of the Local Development and Poverty Reduction, Enhanced Roma Inclusion Programme in Romania.
In the Împreună Agency’s unwavering commitment to coexistence and solidarity, they remind us that true progress is only possible when we learn to live, work, and thrive together.
