On October 5, 2014, in Kyiv, with the support of the Roma Program Initiative of the International Fund “Vidrodzhennya” and the concert hall “Sentrum,” the Roma Women’s Fund “Chirikli” held a solemn event “Roma Pride!”
“Roma Pride!” is a European action aimed at honoring the equality and dignity of Roma people in Europe. For the fourth year in a row, events and actions under the name “Roma Pride!” have been held in 12 European countries in the fall, on October 5. The organization of the action was initiated by the European Network organization EGAM. More about the organization here: http://www.egam.eu/
In Ukraine, this action was held for the first time.
“Roma Pride!” is the name of a civil response to anti-Roma sentiments across Europe. The purpose is to showcase equality and dignity in Europe by coming together. This mobilization is rooted in solidarity among millions of people in different countries, engaging in local or national, individual or collective initiatives against racism and discrimination. “Roma Pride!” is made possible through an inherent attachment to human rights and citizenship, valuing democracy across the continent.
“Roma Pride!” aims to give hope for the future to the youth and to fight for their right to proper education, which allows them to find their own path and shape their lives without suffocating restrictions imposed by racism; to restore the dignity of the living and the deceased in order to heal the painful wound in our memory.
And finally, “Roma Pride!” is an intention to joyfully celebrate the diversity of Roma culture, which has been organically connected with Europe for centuries.
During the event in Kyiv, a screening of the documentary film dedicated to the topic of the Romani genocide during World War II, “Broken Silence,” by author Orhan Galius (Netherlands), took place. Romani social and medical mediators, prominent Roma figures, partners of the “Chirikli” Fund, and people helping to defend the rights of Roma were honored. Among those honored were: Romani activist and the initiator of the Romani movement in Ukraine, Volodymyr Zolotarenko; Romani poetess Raïsa Nabarnchuk, Romani activist Orhan Galius.
The best Romani social and medical mediator was also awarded: Mykola Burlutskyi, Kharkiv.
Not forgotten were figures of Romani activists such as Romani poet Mykhailo Kozymyrenko, Romani artist and activist Oleksandr Karafetov, People’s Artist of Ukraine, Halia Chernia; Romani activist, artist Anatoliy Kondur.
Among the partners, the following were honored: Romani Program Initiative, “Vidrodzhennya” International Fund, Government Commissioner for Ethnic National Policy of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, Hennadiy Druzenko; Representative of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Non-Discrimination and Gender Equality, Aksana Filipishyna; Advisor to the Minister of Social Policy, Larysa Kobylyanska; Executive Director of the Ukrainian Press Academy, Oksana Voloshenyuk; Head of Darnytskyi District State Administration of Kyiv, Hennadiy Sintsov, and civic activist, journalist Olha Vesnyanka.
