
Anzhelika Bielova at the session “Amplifying Women’s Voices from Ukraine”: on rights, equality, and real action
“We don’t need special treatment for our problems. We need responses to real threats.” These words became a central message during the speech of Anzhelika Bielova, President of Voice of Romni, in Vienna.
In May, she took part in the focus session “Amplifying Women’s Voices from Ukraine.” This discussion was held as part of the international conference on gender equality, “Building Resilience through Inclusion and Empowerment,” which brought together women leaders, diplomats, and representatives of international organizations and governments to reflect on the role of women in rebuilding a democratic society during wartime.

The panel discussion was opened by Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maryana Betsa, and moderated by Saara-Sofia Sirén, the OSCE Chairperson’s Special Representative on Gender Issues.

In her speech, Anzhelika Bielova spoke about the daily challenges faced by women from Roma and other vulnerable communities during the war. She emphasized that rights, inclusion, and safety must not be treated as secondary issues in Ukraine’s recovery process. She also shared the experience of the Voice of Romni team, outlined the key systemic barriers Roma women encounter, and presented effective strategies to overcome them and bring about tangible change:
- Inclusion of Roma women in decision-making processes at both local and national levels.
- Development of inclusive strategies, policies, and legislation. State policies must reflect the needs of Roma people and ensure alignment between national and local levels.
- Systematic efforts to combat discrimination at all levels and achieve social integration and equality.
- Investment in Roma women’s leadership. Financial support must go directly to Roma women’s organizations, including grassroots initiatives that understand the context and already have solutions.
- Responding to real needs. If Roma children, including internally displaced ones, lack access to online education, schools must provide the necessary tools, and the Ministry of Education must ensure accountability. The same principle applies to healthcare, employment, and legal assistance — these are fundamental human rights.
“We are an integral part of multicultural Ukraine. Ensuring our rights is a crucial criterion for EU accession. Let us work together to improve the situation of the Roma community and strive for a democratic and European future for our country,” — added Anzhelika.
We thank the organizers of the conference and all international partners for including Roma women in these important discussions. We firmly believe that change is possible when every voice is heard.

