Description
Roma women are among the most discriminated against groups in the Czech labour market. The lack of work opportunities for Roma women is not only related to their social status and Roma minority ethnicity. The traditional position of Roma women in the family structure also plays a role, connected to the mother and carer role. The project aims at raising awareness among a group of Roma women on gender issues, motivating them to a higher need for professional development and supporting their entry into the labour market. The project also focuses on sensitizing the Czech public (both lay people and professionals) to the specifics of gender relations in the Roma population.Two non-profit organisations will participate in implementing the project, the gender information centre NORA and the Roma association MIRET. The project will work with a target group of 30 Roma women from Brno and its surroundings. The project will also involve research on the role of Roma women and making a short documentary film on this issue.
Summary of project results
Roma women are among the most disadvantaged groups in the Czech labour market. Lack of employment opportunities for Roma women is not only related to their social status and ethnicity. Another obstacle is the traditional understanding of the role of women in the Roma community. The prevailing perception of Roma women as mothers and carers is regarded as one of the causes of low participation and motivation to succeed in the educational system. The project sought to raise awareness of gender issues in a particular group of Roma women and their motivation for professional development while encouraging them to enter the labour market. It also focused on improving the perception of specific gender relations in the Roma population by mainstream society. Thanks to our activities,two Roma women have found official employment. The living situation of several other Roma women has improved considerably, as they managed to leave shelters and find their own housing. Their children have also stopped attending segregated schools. Women were acquainted with the issues of equal opportunities; they were trained, and finally became more aware of their own strengths, which in turn boosted their confidence. The financial support from Erasmus + GIC NORA will allow us to stay in touch with these women and work with them further, which ensures the sustainability of the project.
Summary of bilateral results