The Roma Women’s Fund “Chirikli” traditionally participated in the annual Ukraine Recovery Conference, which this year took place in Italy. For our team, this wasn’t just about presence—it was about visibility, influence, and shared responsibility for the country’s future.
This year, we managed not only to participate but also to strengthen the Roma voice in the international discourse about recovery. For the first time in the conference’s history, a side event dedicated to Roma issues took place.
With the support of the “Chirikli” foundation, three young Roma leaders were able to participate in the conference. Against the backdrop of extremely low representation of national minorities at such events, this marks a step toward change. For comparison, the Ukrainian Women’s Fund (UWF) supported five women’s organizations this year.
The participation of Roma youth isn’t just about symbolic presence. It’s about sending a clear message: Ukraine’s reconstruction must create new opportunities for education, employment, and dignified living for marginalized communities.
During the conference, we successfully organized the first dedicated side event focusing on Roma issues. Participants included:
These issues should become part of the political agenda for recovery.
Beyond official events, the “Chirikli” team conducted a series of bilateral meetings with key partners, established communication with Roma organizations in Italy, and participated in initiatives including:
The changes we’re implementing today, during wartime, form the foundation for stable peace. We thank all partners for their trust and cooperation. We hope that at the next conference, even more representatives of the Roma community will be able to participate in shaping recovery policies.
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