NSNS Score

E-Romnja:

E-Romnja is an association established in August 2012 by a group of activists that advocates for a public agenda that must include Roma women’s issues. E-Romnja advocates for the respect, integrity, and dignity of Roma women. Our focus is on working for images of Roma women to reflect the diversity and reality of their lives. Over time, negative images of Roma promoted by media, literature, and even art have had a major impact upon the lives of Roma women, making them invisible and marginalized. They’re voices have yet to be documented – from their experiences as slaves, their inferior position inside their communities and/or families, or the patriarchal system which kept them illiterate, economically dependent, and subjugated to cultural traditions. But most importantly, their invisibility as women has had a major impact upon the policies and programs adopted to improve their situation, which over time reflects the role that they are allowed to have in community and society. This is why we believe that it is important for Roma women to be reflected as they are and to be represented on the public agenda as a first step in asserting their rights.

Why an association for Roma women?

Because Roma women don't exist on the public agenda and their issues are not solved through government policies. Because Romanian society is dominated by negative perceptions and stereotypes regarding Roma women and we need to dismantle them. Because Roma women need a frame/community to affirm their interests and manifest their beliefs; they need a community that can champion lives and experiences that they can relate and associate with. Because Roma women must be present and visible in public sphere through their contribution in community and/or society. Because Roma women don't have sufficient NGO’s that can stand up for them.

Retrieved from: http://e-romnja.ro/e-romnja/about_eromnja.html

Policy Center for Roma and Minorities:

• Non-governmental, non-profit think-tank organized and founded in 2008, in Romania. • Based in Bucharest

LESSONS FROM ROMA FEMINISM

• Two main programs: Alternative Education Club and Mother’s Club • Mission

o We act towards solving social inclusion issues of Roma and other ethnic minorities and truly dream about a world where these issues no longer need answer.

o We believe in the kindness of people and know that the solution to all our concerns lie in every community’s readiness of embracing this kindness. o We are ready to combat injustice and prepared to help others get ready as well

through sustainable educational programs that fight prejudice and negative attitudes.

Retrieved from: https://policycenter.eu/en/about-us/the-mission/

NGOs in Spain

Federación Nacional de Asociaciones de Mujeres Gitanas - Kamira: [Translation]

Kamira is a Federation of Roma women's associations, operating since 1999, focusing on four main work areas:

1. Community: We are a network of associations working together for a common goal. 2. Resources: In Kamira, you will find a multitude of resources, links and necessary

information, whether you reach out to us as an association or a private individual. 3. Activities: Kamira organizes multiple activities, training courses, writes and conducts

reports and studies, and is committed to its objectives

4. Complaints: If you witness acts, behaviors or discriminatory actions toward the Roma according to the criteria for hate crimes, you can report it to Kamira.

Retrieved from: http://federacionkamira.es/

Asociación de Mujeres Gitanas Romi: [Translation]

LESSONS FROM ROMA FEMINISM

• Founded and based in Granada, Spain

• The first Gitana Association in Spain, founded in 1990

• Initially started by a small group of radical activists and students who wanted to start their own feminist movement as the Spanish feminist national movement did not consider Gitana women’s issues. Thus, in the early 1990s, it helped consolidate a Roma feminist movement both at local and international levels.

• Consists of Roma women activists, students, teachers, volunteers and women across all professional areas

• Goals and philosophy: fights for women’s rights, “in a serious and demanding way, without losing our cultural identity”. “We are convinced that another reality is possible, and if we unite our strengths, the future will be better”.

• Objectives: To help other women, especially Roma women; to contribute to Gitana women’s awareness of their rights, capacities for activism and leadership in the community; to promote Gitana artists (such as writers, pets, painters, doctors, politicians); to improve the community activist platform; to promote unity and solidarity across borders and to demand that Gitana activists are listened to and respected as women and feminists;

Retrieved from: http://mujeresgitanasromi.blogspot.se/search?updated-max=2015-04- 27T22:45:00%2B02:00&max-results=7&start=7&by-date=false

NGOs in Sweden

[Translation]

Trajosko Drom was formed to strengthen women belonging to the Roma minority group in Sweden, to support and protect individuals from social vulnerability, as well as strengthen their own capacity to achieve personal and collective developments.

The long-term objective is social inclusion for the Roma group. Thus, the organization aims to gather women from many different Roma groups to, in collective efforts, offer support and instill a sense of pride in the Roma identity, but also encourage and equip them with skills to face society and the majority population, to enable political mobilization, interactions and

LESSONS FROM ROMA FEMINISM

asserting political pressure and influence, overcoming difficulties in terms of trusting societal actors and finally, to gain access to society facilities and services.

By organizing Roma women who have gone through such processes, they are able to stimulate further development and competence in the group. Those struggling with basic needs are helped to access various forms of assistance, including access to knowledge and support.

Trajosko Drom's objective is to be a safe, supportive and encouraging meeting place that brings new hope and self-confidence to people and motivates them to pursue their own initiatives and to assert their ability to fight the injustice they are facing and improve their living conditions. The purpose is to provide both social support and practical assistance to both strengthen their own capacity and to continue supporting pro-Roma policies in the public sphere.

The association aims to educate the majority population revolving the Roma group in order to inform and challenge the public sector, to influence politics, instill social change and

fundamentally, to promote inclusion, equality, gender equality and human rights in Sweden.