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Description
The project "Knowing the Roma beside us" is necessary because discrimination against Roma in Romania has visible negative effects, despite the implementation of political measures aimed at improving the situation of Roma. According to the latest studies conducted by our Foundation in 2020, the hate speech against Roma has intensified in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Roma being blamed for non-compliance with the restrictions imposed. The analysis "Representation of Roma in the media in the context of the Coronavirus pandemic" reveals that the image of Roma in the online press from March to September 2020 is negative, which accentuates the social distance between Roma and non-Roma, Roma being seen negatively, in contrast to Romanians . The aim of the project is to increase the level of awareness on human rights and equal treatment, focusing on the Roma minority, the activities aiming to increase both the level of awareness in citizens about their rights and the ability of citizens to react to discrimination and hate speech in public. Beneficiaries will be 200 students who will participate in a workshop on promoting the principles of diversity, focusing on the Roma minority, 4,000 students and 20,000 people from the general public who will be aware of the application of equal treatment and the role which prejudices and stereotypes play in forming perceptions about others, with a focus on the Roma minority. The activities will imply working with young people to raise awareness of the impact of stereotypes and prejudices on Roma. Among the results, it is expected to raise awareness, address stereotypes and support / strengthen / expand positive changes in attitudes and practices related to human rights, 20,000 people aware of human rights and equal treatment, with a focus on the Roma minority.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the negative perception and hate speech on roma minority that are keep a high level (despite some political measures) and even increased along with the pandemics.
In this context there was developed an extensive awareness campaign consisting of two videos, a song, a photo exhibition, podcasts and testimonials that brought into public attention people (roma) that are not as those pictured according to stereotypes. The content of the campaign included explanations of the origin of stereotypes regarding roma in a historical and sociological perspective. Also the project involved working with young people (in schools) to raise awareness of the impact of stereotypes and prejudices on Roma and to further promote diversity and tolerance. The following materials were largely broadcast and also used in the information and awareness activities in schools: "About This Mask" (video - talking about identity and the masks that roma people choose to wear to be accepted by society) and "It''s Over with Racism" (video - that brought into attention the stereotypes and prejudices perpetuated over time about Roma). A manifesto song for diversity, "Wings" and a photo campaign "Love that Breaks Down Walls" (that illustrates stories of love, respect and gratitude, for the people who stand behind) presented in several locations in Bucharest contributed to raising awareness of more than 20000 people.
Besides the raising awareness of general public, 155 students that first participated to human rights workshops developed awareness and dissemination activities in schools leading to more than 4000 students aware on stereotypes, diversity, roma, human rights. The guide” You think you are better? – a Guide to fight stereotypes and prejudices and promote inclusion” is another support material elaborated and disseminated within the project, and a resource for further actions on diversity and inclusion. The Project Promoter keeps disseminating the materials (especially the two videos) and use them when communicating on roma issues. The photo exhibition is maintained an deployed in new locations or within relevant events.