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Description
Based on socio-cultural norms in Roma communities, Roma women are experiencing the most intensive intersectional marginalization and gender-based discrimination and violence. Due to this fact, the project aims to widen the opportunities of Roma women from marginalized Roma communities (MRCs) in Dobšiná and Veľký Krtíš and increase their awareness about access to available livelihood opportunities. The project enables them to develop the determination and skills required to acquire a stable income and lift themselves out of poverty. The plan is to work with 40 Roma women from MRCs during a period of 20 months in an educational and personal development programme delivered by experts and expert organizations. The programme also systematically works with potential employers based near the MRCs to provide work placements for the women, who successfully complete the educational programme. The participants who find and sustain employment are encouraged to set up peer to peer groups. As part of the long-term vision for the programme, it is subsequently also planned to establish a Platform of inclusive employers.
The project partners cooperate in the outreach activities, coordinate implementation of the training programme or gap bridging events and share and use their knowledge and experience of building the capacity of the unemployed Roma people to find and stay employed. The core goal of the UPre women programme is to enable and promote greater gender equality, Roma women inclusion and empowerment within the job market and combat discrimination. The educational and personal development part of the programme is designed to instigate a deep-level transformation and empowerment for the women from MRCs.
Summary of project results
The UPre Women project aimed to address the multiple forms of discrimination faced by Roma women living in marginalized communities. These women are often subjected to ethnic and gender stereotypes from both the majority society and their own communities. The project focused on:
- Strengthening the personal development of Roma women as a critical prerequisite for their employability and successful integration into the labor market.
- Supporting Roma women not only in finding employment but also in retaining jobs and balancing their professional and personal lives.
The project implemented a wide range of activities designed to empower Roma women and facilitate their entry into the labor market. Key activities and outputs included:
- Community Outreach and Recruitment: Recruitment efforts involved community discussions, distribution of informational leaflets, and individual visits by field workers in Dobšiná, Veľký Krtíš, and the Luník IX neighborhood in Košice.
- Educational and Developmental Program: Over 68 women participated in a comprehensive 7-month program, consisting of 95 hours of training. The program covered topics such as workplace skills, communication, personal rights, handling discrimination, and maintaining physical and mental health. Participants also undertook site visits to employers, internships, and, in several cases, secured employment.
- Employer Sensitization Activities: Employers were engaged through roundtables and awareness-raising sessions to promote inclusive hiring practices. These events, organized in collaboration with AmCham Slovakia, involved eight employers and identified barriers to employing individuals from marginalized backgrounds.
- Mentorship: Roma and non-Roma women served as mentors, supporting participants by sharing experiences and strategies for overcoming workplace challenges.
- Family Engagement: Eight family meetings were organized to present women’s progress and emphasize the support they would need to sustain their professional journeys.
The UPre Women project exemplifies good practice in its comprehensive approach to tackling deep-seated barriers faced by Roma women. Key aspects include:
- Empowerment through Education: A tailored curriculum addressed not only employability but also personal growth, equipping women with tools to navigate professional and social challenges.
- Inclusive Engagement: Activities involved employers, mentors, and families, creating a supportive ecosystem for participants.
- Long-Term Impact: The project not only placed women into jobs but also fostered sustainable change by addressing systemic barriers and promoting inclusive attitudes among employers and the broader public.
This project demonstrates how focused, inclusive, and multi-level interventions can empower marginalized groups and promote social and economic integration.
The project produced measurable results, benefiting multiple groups:
- Roma Women: Of the 68 participants, 19 gained work experience through employment, agreements, or internships. Beyond employment, many women reported improved self-esteem, mobility, independence, decision-making skills, and stress management abilities, as captured by the My Path to Change impact assessment tool.
- Families and Communities: The project positively impacted 182 family members, including children who participated in parallel activities. These efforts strengthened family and community support structures.
- Employers: Eight employers expressed openness to hiring Roma women and adapting workplace conditions to accommodate their specific needs and capabilities.
- General Public: The project addressed societal stereotypes through events such as The World of Women, which highlighted strong and successful Roma women as role models.