The month of December is always rich in events. Indeed, on December 12-13, the Second Forum of Roma Women in Ukraine took place in Warsaw. It was held in a hybrid format: on the first day, participants located in Ukraine were able to join the event online.
The opening of the Forum was done by the President of the Roma Women’s Fund “Chirikli,” Yulia Kondur, the Permanent Representative of Finland to the Council of Europe, Nina Nordström, the Head of the Secretariat of the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Tetiana Stefʼiuk, the Advisor on Roma Issues, Marta García Fidalgo, and the Development Manager of the Diaconia Institute, Anke Ehnert.
During the event, participants had the opportunity to discuss the complex situation of Roma IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons), who, while fleeing war in Europe, sometimes face prejudice and discrimination during evacuation and resettlement. This topic was addressed by the Coordinator of “Chirikli,” Julian Kondur, the Director of the ERGO Network, Gabriella Hrabanova, and the Chair of the International Roma Women’s Network, Kristina Temizchay.
Following this, touching and sincere speeches were given by Ukrainian Roma women who had faced the war face to face – Rada Kalandia, Viola Popenko, and Larisa Domchenko.
Finally, experts shared their insights on strengthening the implementation of European human rights standards, particularly regarding the protection of Roma in Ukraine. In this session, contributions were made by the Coordinator of Policy Development, Martin Müchler, and the Representative of the OSCE/ODIHR Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues, Natalia Domínika.
Ukrainian representatives also shared their proposals – Elvina Kurtaliieva, Deputy Director of the Department – Head of the Department for Non-Discrimination and Countering Discrimination of the Secretariat of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and Victor Kovrei, Head of the Cooperation Department with Ethnic Communities at DESU.
The second day of the event had a more practical focus, as participants worked in groups to address the educational rights of Roma during and after the war. Suggestions included introducing the Roma language as an optional subject in regions with significant Roma communities such as Uzhhorod, Zakarpattia, Melitopol, etc.; creating an interactive platform for learning the Roma language; and strengthening efforts in Roma families to encourage the education of Roma children.
The Roma Women’s Fund “Chirikli” expresses its gratitude to the participants, experts, and partners who contributed to the success of this two-day event.
Special thanks go to our regular partners and donors of the Fund!
