Violence against women needs to be talked about! This is especially true in the Roma community, where this topic has been a long-standing taboo and is often downplayed. In five Czech cities, we will, among other things, make Roma women aware that domestic violence is in no way part of Roma traditions and that has no place in any society. As relevant data on violence against women in the Roma community is still missing in the Czech Republic, we are also planning to conduct research.
• Domestic violence and gender-based violence against Roma women are not talked about, even though it is a serious social problem
• Unfortunately, In some Roma families, domestic violence is considered a part of everyday life
• Some Roma women are even convinced that "petty violence" is part of Romani traditions
• For many Roma women, talking about violence is a shameful
What exactly do we want?
To reduce violence against Roma women - by strengthening their self-esteem and self-respect. From our many years of practical experience, we know that violence against women exists in Roma communities, even if it is not talked about. And that is, of course, wrong. We will therefore motivate women to start speaking openly about violence. At the same time, we will inform them about the possibilities to get out of the "vicious circle".
You are not the culprit, but the victim
Starting in January 2024, groups of Roma women will meet regularly in five cities in the Czech Republic - there will be 50 of them in total. During these meetings, they will gradually and sensitively address the topic of domestic and gender-based violence. Naturally, women who have been or still are victims of domestic violence - whether physical or psychological - will be able to participate in the discussion. At these meetings, they will have the opportunity to talk about their problems "out loud", without shame and in safety. However, no one will force them to do so. At the same time, we will cooperate with various experts in the prevention of domestic violence. The groups will be led by members of our long-standing Romani women's group Manushe, who are respected leaders in their respective locations.
Violence against Roma women is not talked about, even though it is a serious social problem. Unfortunately, in some Roma families, domestic violence is considered a part of everyday life. Some Romani women are even convinced that "petty violence" is part of Romani traditions.
Why do we need research?
Because there is no relevant data on violence against women in the Roma community in the Czech Republic. At the same time, research could show how widespread domestic violence is in Roma families. Such data is important for all society, as well as for us or other organizations dealing with helping victims of domestic violence. In this research, which will involve 500 participating female respondents from all over the Czech Republic, we will cooperate with the Charles University, Faculty of Humanities. Manushe group members will help with the collection of data.
What's next for us?
We will also organize a summer school for young Roma, focused on the prevention of domestic and gender-based violence, so that they can not only stand up to it themselves but also know how to react in a situation where they witness such violence. At the same time, we will create an information campaign, including podcasts, focused on the prevention of domestic and gender-based violence.
"Project Speak Up", registration number CZ.03.02.03/00/22_044/0002151 is financed by the Operational Programme Employment Plus.
The project is funded by the European Union.
