In its seventh annual Roma Women's Conference, this year held in Finland, the Council of Europe stresses the importance of "mainstreaming" Roma and Traveller gender equality issues as part of its "Strategy for Gender Equality 2018-2023". The three-day conference, which brings together NGOs, government officials and civil society from across Europe, seeks to empower Roma and Traveller women in all spheres, addressing for example challenges they face in reproductive rights, domestic violence and early marriages or human trafficking within their communities.
Opening the conference, former Finnish President Ms Tarja Halonen told participants to “be visible, be strong” and that "the Roma voice should be heard by international institutions and by the Committee of Ministers to overcome remaining structural barriers." Finland, as Committee of Ministers chair, is known for its strong contribution to human rights promotion. It has been on the front line to fight for the most disadvantaged groups, including women and Roma.
