Strengthening the Roma Voice

The action was supported in the frame of the Strengthening the Roma Voice programme in which thirteen partners in seven countries participate, that all aim to improve Roma empowerment and self organization.

Spolu coordinates the programme and facilitates reflections with and between partners to develop effective methods and approaches, that can be adapted to their specific context and realities. Most of the partners are united in the European Roma Grassroots Organizations (ERGO) network, that advocates for Roma issues on European level.

RAA is the Albanian partner in the programme. It  aims to empower Roma people and counter the negative stigma associated with them. The support to the women shows RAA’s view on empowering grassroots Roma. The women proved that they were capable persons that are proud of their culture. This changes the view of non Roma that visit the museum or see them in the media. By concentrating on something that is important for the entire Roma minority, Roma men look at them differently too: the women proved to be able to make a positive and significant change for the entire Roma minority.

RAA does not support large infrastructural projects, but organizes grassroots groups around small scale activities, such the making of the traditional clothes and the negotiation with the museum. This makes Roma groups and leaders less dependent and more confident when an activity succeeds.