Roma Connect Final Conference Tackles Anti-Roma Racism and Amplifies Voices of Roma Women
On the 8th of October 8, 2024, in Barcelona, the Roma Connect Final Conference gathered over 90 participants in a powerful stand against anti-Roma racism and in support of Roma women’s voices from Hungary, Romania, Greece, and Spain. Hosted at the Barcelona City Hall and broadcast online, the conference brought together advocates, policymakers, and Roma community leaders to discuss challenges and solutions in combating discrimination and fostering inclusion.
The evening opened with remarks from key figures, including Maria Eugènia Gay Rosell, Barcelona’s Deputy Mayor of Social Rights, who highlighted the city’s commitment to equality and diversity. Veronica Santiago of Drom Kotar Mestipen and Fernando Macías Aranda, the Catalan Government’s Director for Equality of Treatment and Non-Discrimination, also underscored the critical role of Roma Connect in dismantling racial barriers and amplifying Roma women’s voices.
The first roundtable focused on the prevalence of hate speech directed in the digital sphere. Dr. Lena de Botton’s presentation highlighted the effectiveness of the “Upstander” discourse in countering online hate speech through visible, constructive support for victims, which encourages broader positive engagement. By fostering community-based responses and non-violent, evidence-driven narratives, this approach aims to reduce the fear of reprisal, protect vulnerable groups, and prevent the perpetuation of verbal violence. The guidance provided emphasizes empathy, safety, and the strategic use of alternative narratives to create a supportive online environment against hate.
This was followed by Veronica Santiago, who presented Roma Connect’s achievements and showcased a project video documenting the experiences of Roma women across Europe. The video highlighted how digital platforms can both perpetuate and challenge stereotypes, underlining the need for continued online activism and support.
Following this, the second roundtable featured deeply personal accounts from Roma women. Their stories served as both a call to action and a testament to resilience.
- Mrs. Sacri Fernández Cruz (Spain): A professional and mother of two. She shared how she discusses her experiences with her peers and how, at times, one wonders: “Merece la pena ir a comprar? ¿Merece la pena ir a estudiar? Mi sueño sería la igualdad del trato” [Is it worth going shopping? Is it worth going to study?” She adds, My dream would be equal treatment.]
- Mrs. Petrovici Adina-Petronela (Romania): A mother of 13 children who defied the odds to transform her life. She shared with everyone some of the challenges faced by Roma women in Rumania, and underlined the need for more buses to be provided so that children could attend school, that bus drivers should be more respectful, and that they please stop insulting the Roma community.
- Ms. Lorena Imre and Ms. Boglárka Orsós (Hungary): Two high school students who shared their aspirations and achievements. Boglárka explained how she has faced discrimination since kindergarten but how the principal of her current school is taking action to ensure that what happened at her previous school does not happen again. Lorena explained the starkly different treatment the Roma community receives. For example, at school, if she asks a question, the teachers don’t respond. “My dream is to not have to experience any of this, for there to be no discrimination against anyone.”
Participants were highly engaged, with in-person attendees and virtual viewers contributing to two Q&A sessions. The discussions reinforced the urgency of fighting discrimination at both community and policy levels, with shared commitments to continue Roma Connect’s work beyond the project’s completion.
Sara Belbeida Bedoui, Commissioner for Citizen Relations, Cultural and Religious Diversity, closed the event, praising the initiative’s contributions and calling for sustained efforts to ensure Roma women’s voices are not only heard but lead the charge in shaping a more inclusive Europe.
Roma Connect has been an EU-funded initiative within the CERV-programme aimed at addressing systemic racism and empowering Roma women across Hungary, Romania, Greece, and Spain. By fostering community and dialogue, the project has created a platform for Roma voices, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for equal treatment across all societal levels.
