We are pleased to share the outcomes of our work with participants of the “Women Lead in Emergencies” course, with whom we actively collaborated throughout 2025.

Recently, in Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih (Dnipropetrovsk region), and Merefa (Kharkiv region), the participants presented projects they will implement in local Roma communities with the support of Voice of Romni and CARE Ukraine. These initiatives were developed during our trainings, meetings, and focus groups. For us, it is especially meaningful to see knowledge and systematic support transformed into concrete, effective solutions at the community level.

Representatives of the communities were also present at the project presentations. This allowed for in-depth discussions of community needs and challenges, as well as an opportunity to hear local perspectives on future change.

In Zaporizhzhia, two initiative groups presented their projects. One of them, Voice of Romni: From History to the Present, focuses on creating a documentary interview film portraying the lives of three generations of Roma women. Through real, authentic voices, the project seeks to rethink historical experience, social change, and the role of Roma women in contemporary society.

Another initiative, “I Am Strong. I Am Free. Women for Women”, is aimed at developing leadership skills and increasing the participation of Roma women in community life. Participants aspire to become agents of change, expand their experience, and pass this knowledge on to others.

In Kryvyi Rih, the initiative group has begun implementing its project “The Right to Safety: Training for Roma Women”. It combines human rights, gender equality, personal safety, self-defense, and first aid. In a frontline city under wartime conditions, such knowledge strengthens safety and contributes to the resilience of the entire community.

In Merefa, the initiative group is working on establishing a children’s room at the Roma church Svitlyi Kutochok. This space will serve as a safe and developmental environment for children, as well as a place for women who wish to take a more active role in community life, learn, and demonstrate leadership.

For Voice of Romni, these projects are clear evidence that investing in women’s leadership truly works. Women who recently started from scratch are now organizing events, speaking on behalf of their communities, shaping initiatives, and taking responsibility for their implementation. We witness their personal growth, their perseverance, and their sincere commitment to change. This motivates our team to keep moving forward and to seek even more opportunities to develop and support the leadership of Roma women.

A great deal of work has already been done. At the same time, we understand that Roma communities are only at the beginning of a long and complex process of transformation. That is why we will continue to stand alongside them—to support, advise, and remind them that change begins with ourselves.

The activities are implemented with the support of Voice of Romni in partnership with CARE Ukraine, within the framework of the project Strengthening Access to and Provision of Services for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Gender-Based Violence Support for Conflict-Affected Women and Girls in Eastern and Southern Ukraine.