14,000 Roma and Romani Women in a Joint Project in the Western Balkans

A press conference titled "Romani Women in the Western Balkans – A Story of Activism, Solidarity, and Support" was held in Sarajevo on Thursday, presenting the results of a three-year project called "Active Inclusion and Rights of Romani Women in the Western Balkans," funded by Austrian Development Cooperation.

As highlighted by Sumka Bučan, director of CARE International Balkans, the project has helped increase the visibility of Romani women, their active participation in socio-political life through various bodies and commissions, and the recognition of the work of their organizations within Romani communities.

The project, as Bučan stated, has contributed to solving concrete problems faced by Romani women, such as education, healthcare, housing, and generally raising the level of human rights for Romani women and their visibility.

Statistics show that a total of 14,000 Romani women and men participated in this project, with men, for example, 435 of them, actively participating in awareness-raising workshops on girls' education.

In addition, 23 Romani women received training and developed skills for political participation, which will significantly increase their representation in government bodies.

Significant funds were also invested through the project, with 39 small grants awarded to Romani organizations, each worth 3,500 euros, in the areas of education and access to healthcare, and prevention of gender-based violence.

In all three countries where the project has been implemented over the past three years – Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro – educational activities have led to a reduction in reported cases of violence in Romani families.

Regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina specifically, the Women's Romani Association 'Better Future' from Tuzla, which was the main partner of the project, recorded a 20% decrease in cases of violence. Romani women had the opportunity for the first time to undergo gynecological and breast examinations. A total of 2,705 Romani women and men directly benefited from the project, and 62,932 indirectly benefited throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, said Jadranka Miličević from CARE International Balkans.

Three organizations were involved as partners in the project – the Romani Women's Center 'Bibija' from Serbia, the Center for Romani Initiatives from Montenegro, and the WRA 'Better Future' from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A calendar of activities for the Month of Female Romani Activism, starting on March 8 and running until April 8, 2015, was also presented at the press conference.