The meeting with Ambassador Natalka Cmoc is yet another step that proves: the voice of Roma women is growing stronger — both in Ukraine and on international platforms.

A sincere dialogue on the needs of Roma communities during wartime, women’s leadership, and grassroots support — the President of Voice of Romni, Anzhelika Bielova, met with the Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine, Natalka Cmoc.

“It was a warm and meaningful conversation,” Anzhelika Bielova shared. “The first thing we discussed was the outcome of the forum where the Ambassador had participated as a speaker. I presented the resolution and outlined the upcoming plans of the National Coordinating Platform for the Implementation of the Roma Strategy. I emphasized the importance of developing regional plans and incorporating recommendations so they reflect local contexts and needs, align with recovery plans, and take into account wartime conditions.”

For our organization, it is essential that the voice of Roma women is not limited to a few strategies or isolated programs, but is integrated into all key national documents — including Ukraine’s Recovery Plan, humanitarian response strategies, and national development frameworks. The war has amplified many longstanding challenges in Roma communities, making them even more acute.

We also discussed the role of grassroots organizations — those that are often the first to respond to people’s needs, yet frequently go unnoticed.

“I stressed the importance of supporting grassroots Roma initiatives, building their capacities, investing in women’s leadership, and strengthening the gender expertise of Roma women’s organizations and leaders,” Bielova noted. “Too often, Roma organizations are overlooked and lack the institutional capacity needed to thrive.”

This includes training in project management, fundraising, leadership development, and direct funding. These are the tools that allow Roma organizations not only to survive but to grow and influence social change.

Another important topic was the advocacy of Roma women’s rights. The Ambassador has already had firsthand contact with Roma women, having visited their settlement in Odesa region — a gesture we are deeply grateful for, as it sets an example of high-level attention to the needs and issues faced by Roma women.

We also touched on international advocacy. Anzhelika Bielova spoke about Voice of Romni’s participation in the Commission on the Status of Women in New York and a closed dialogue held in the U.S., where Roma women from six countries united to draft a joint resolution. The document outlines concrete actions to combat discrimination against Roma women and address urgent challenges.

The meeting with Ambassador Natalka Cmoc is yet another step that proves: the voice of Roma women is growing stronger — both in Ukraine and on international platforms. And today, this voice needs not just recognition, but real support, investment, and partnership. Much work still lies ahead, but meetings like this demonstrate that together, we can build a country where everyone’s rights are protected and where Roma communities have a rightful place in Ukraine’s recovery and development.