"News headlines across Europe indicate persistent antigypsyism and discrimination against Roma and Travellers. One of Europe’s largest ethnic minorities, they face multifaceted challenges: from prejudiced reporting in the media and limited access to quality education and the labour market, to social exclusion and segregation.
As we approach International Roma Day (April 8th), I draw attention to the special needs of Roma and Traveller women and girls, who encounter critical barriers while being pillars of their families and communities.
Poverty, policies against nomadism and poor housing and accommodation disproportionately affect them. Far too often, their access to education, employment, and healthcare also is curtailed.
Indeed, reports from Council of Europe monitoring bodies attest to gender-specific disadvantages regarding school attendance records, literacy and employment of Roma and Traveller women and girls as compared to their male counterparts.
Despite such obstacles, it gives me hope to learn of Roma and Traveller women who have been at the forefront of change, who challenge stereotypes, advocate for justice, and demand equal rights. Their courage fuels our collective journey toward equality – and it deserves our support.
To provide that support, the Council of Europe has important tools, from our Strategic Action Plan on Roma and Traveller Inclusion (2020-2025) to our Gender Equality Strategy for 2024-2029, which includes an intersectional approach in all policies and measures to empower women and girls.
The adoption today of the Committee of Ministers’ Recommendation on equality of Roma and Traveller women and girls recognises their contribution to society, while calling on member States to take specific steps to improve their status.
From ensuring equal participation of Roma and Traveller girls in quality education to removing financial or administrative impediments that prevent them from accessing healthcare, the Recommendation – as developed by our Steering Committee on Anti-Discrimination, Diversity, and Inclusion – also calls on member States and their local authorities to support participation of Roma women and girls in civic, community and political engagement. This participation must be free from violence, harassment, hate speech and sexism.
Our work to bolster Roma and Traveller communities is not only about removing barriers. It is about resilience, hope, and progress.
Empowering Roma women and girls means recognising their agency, amplifying their voices, and providing platforms for leadership. This essential recognition will help all Roma and Traveller communities in Europe. Only by working together can we build a world where equality is not a distant goal but a lived reality."
Commissioner for Human Rights: The protection of the human rights of Roma and Travellers must become a top priority in our member states
Committee of Ministers: New Recommendation on equality for Roma and Traveller* women and girls
Congress of local and regional authorities - International Roma Day: Congress supports Roma rights
