This project is part of the wider FAIR programme, under which CARE has already implemented two previous project phases aiming to empower and foster the inclusion of Roma women. In the Western Balkans, and in particular in the project’s three target countries, the latest survey on the socio-economic position of marginalized Roma and their non-Roma neighbours reveals increased school attendance but a growing gap between Roma and non-Roma in health, employment and housing. While more girls and boys are attending compulsory primary education than ever before, their attendance in high school is much lower and the gap compared to the majority of society is increasing. When compared to their non-Roma neighbours, Roma people are twice as likely to be unemployed and are less likely to see a doctor.

As we have learned from our FAIR projects, these aspects are even more negatively reflected in the lives of women and girls as the Roma communities are highly patriarchal and rigid norms on masculinity and attitudes toward gender roles still prevail. Double marginalisation and discrimination of Roma women and girls, as women and as a minority group, is also clearly reflected in these latest statistics. In Montenegro, 93% of Roma women aged 18-24 are unemployed and not involved in education or training, for example. Gender inequality is further reflected in the prevalence of early marriages: in Serbia, 49% of Roma women aged 20-49 reported to have been married before they were 18 years old compared to 9% of non-Roma women (in Montenegro, the ratio is 41:8% and in BiH 27:11%). Early marriage/child marriage is a cause and consequence of gender inequality, poverty and violence. It violates girls’ rights to health, education and opportunity, exposing them to all types and forms of violence throughout their lives.

Expected Results

ER 1: Enhanced capacities of Roma civil society organisations (CSOs), youth and key community actors to practice and promote a gender equitable, healthy and non-violent lifestyle with the help of tested models and approaches.

ER 2: Improved access to and provision of services for Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian (RAE) women and girls, (in particular on Sexual Reproductive and Maternal Health (SRMH), gender-based violence and Education) through strengthening of the Roma CSOs and the existing participatory accountability community mechanisms.

ER 3: Three national-level Roma women networks’ influence and regional collaboration was enhanced through the regional Roma Women Balkans Network’s efforts toward Post 2020 EU Roma Integration Agenda.

ER 4: Roma women and girls, CSOs and Networks are a part of the regional and global social movement initiatives promoting and advocating for gender equality and (minority) women’s rights.