Numerous studies and reports consistently highlight the high prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) experienced by Roma women in Europe. This violence takes many forms, including domestic abuse, sexual harassment, forced marriages, trafficking, and other forms of exploitation. The intersectional discrimination they endure, along with health inequalities, limited access to services and support systems, and pervasive stereotypes among both Roma communities and health and social professionals, makes escaping GBV even more challenging. In response, the ROMANI project aims to combat GBV within Roma communities and ensuring equal access to healthcare through a comprehensive approach. This involves engaging Roma communities, promoting their empowerment, while also collaborating with relevant health, social, and anti-violence services and key stakeholders. The project will be implemented in Bulgaria, Italy, and Romania, where the situation for Roma women is particularly concerning. This effort is bolstered by the support of four public authorities at both national and local levels in Bulgaria and Italy. The ROMANI project has the following specific objectives:
1) Analyzing the factors that facilitate the escape from GBV among Roma women;
2) Promoting empowerment within Roma communities, working with both Roma women and men to combat gender stereotypes and the root causes of GBV;
3) Equipping health and social professionals with the cultural sensitivity and competencies necessary to support Roma women effectively;
4) Strengthening the connection between Roma women and health services and anti-violence facilities.
The project adopts an interdisciplinary and participatory approach that actively involves Roma women. By employing a variety of innovative techniques, ROMANI will utilize a bottom-up perspective to capture the lived experiences and key issues directly from Roma communities and relevant stakeholders, addressing the root causes of GBV.
The ROMANI Project aims to combat gender-based violence (GBV) within Roma communities and ensure equal access to healthcare. It adopts a comprehensive, community-driven approach that involves two key pillars:
- Promoting active participation, empowerment, and leadership, especially among Roma women.
- Engaging health, social, and anti-violence services, as well as public authorities, to foster collaboration and improve service delivery.
Approach
The project will implement a holistic and inclusive strategy by:
- Actively engaging Roma communities to build trust and encourage participation;
- Empowering Roma women by amplifying their voices and supporting their autonomy;
- Collaborating with professionals in health, social, and anti-violence sectors to challenge stereotypes and enhance response mechanisms;
- Establishing strong partnerships with public authorities to ensure sustainability and systemic change.
Project duration: 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2027 (2 years)
Funding: The ROMANI project is co-finded by the European Union, CERV-2024-DAPHNE