Violence against Roma women in Europe: An invisible plague

In Europe, Roma women encounter multiple forms of discrimination, violence, and limitations on their freedom daily. 

The violent reality the Roma women face stems from a complex interplay between patriarchal traditions within Romani, Sinti, and Camminanti (RSC) communities and systemic discrimination targeting them as part of a marginalised ethnic minority. Roma women, therefore, suffer violence from within their communities as women and simultaneously from external sources as members of the RSC population.

Domestic violence within communities

The violence Roma women experience in their communities can generally be classified under the broader category of domestic violence. It is the most common form of abuse of Roma women. Domestic violence includes not only physical but also psychological and economic abuse.

Although signs of improvement have been observed in many communities, the legacy of patriarchal culture continues to hinder change.

In some communities, women must adhere to rules that subordinate them to men, such as being unable to travel alone or having to walk behind their husbands. Additionally, early marriage remains a widespread practice, with severe consequences for the physical and mental health of young brides. Often, these internal restrictions only exacerbate the women’s isolation.

Systemic prejudice and discrimination

Prejudice against Roma women is also widespread and deeply entrenched within the majority population. This issue is so pervasive that even schools become venues of exclusion and humiliation, making it harder for these women to access basic education and, consequently, to find employment that could support their emancipation.

The difficulty in finding work inevitably leads to dependence on their husbands, who thus exercise complete economic control over them. As a result, women are trapped in a vicious cycle of dependency.

Hate speech and isolation

Roma women are also frequent targets of hate speech, both online and offline. This phenomenon perpetuates harmful stereotypes and further isolates them. For instance, offensive remarks or insults directed at Roma women on social media increase their sense of inadequacy and limit their ability to integrate into society.

RomniME project calls for change

Nevertheless, change is possible. As an association, together with our partners from Finland, Bulgaria, and Croatia, we are working toward this goal through the RomniME project, coordinated by the Deaconess Foundation. This initiative aims to support young Roma, Sinti, and Camminanti women in the professional and social challenges they face daily, providing them with the tools and resources needed to develop their potential and create a support network through mentoring.

This project is generating a highly positive impact not only on the participating girls but also on those who have chosen to support them by sharing their knowledge and expertise. Even the mentors report learning from this project.

However, the efforts of the RomniME project alone are not enough. Only by uniting the efforts of institutions, associations, and RSC communities can we build a future in which Roma women can live free from violence and enjoy equal opportunities.

The article was written by the Roma association ROMNI from Italy. Romni is one of the three European organisations implementing the RomniME project coordinated by the Deaconess Foundation. The project aims to develop a model based on community work and mentoring to improve the wellbeing and inclusion of young Roma women. Taking place in Finland, Bulgaria, Italy and Croatia, the project also aims to identify and combat discrimination experienced by Roma women and girls by improving understanding of the impact of multiple discrimination.