During the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, where women leaders from around the world gathered, we successfully hosted a side event to unite the voices of Roma women activists.

Our initiative was joined by representatives from Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This not only allowed us to raise critical issues at the international level, but also helped strengthen partnerships and collectively explore ways to advance the rights of Roma women in the global context.

Our discussions covered a broad range of topics — from Roma women’s rights and overcoming discrimination to economic empowerment and political representation. Together, we analyzed the challenges Roma women face in different countries and shared successful practices in overcoming these obstacles.

Anzhelika Bielova, President of Voice of Romni, emphasized the importance of such teamwork:

“We’ve developed joint proposals with Roma women leaders that address the pressing issues our countries are facing. We want to draw attention to these issues and offer recommendations for solutions. Now we will begin planning joint projects with these women’s organizations and individual Roma activists.”

This meeting became not only a platform for dialogue, but also a key step towards building new partnerships. We believe that the united efforts of Roma women leaders from different countries will help us collectively advance rights, strengthen our communities, and build a more just society.

Ahead lie new initiatives, collaborations, and joint projects that will improve the lives of Roma women. We thank all participants for their strength and inspiration to work together! Our team is also open to new partnerships with women leaders from other countries who were not represented at the International Dialogue in New York. Together, we can amplify our voices and improve the lives of Roma communities across the globe.

We are sincerely grateful to all those who made it possible to raise these important issues on the international stage: the Office for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, Government Commissioner for Gender Policy Kateryna Levchenko, the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations, Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, Ukrainian Women’s Fund, CARE.Ukraine, Oxfam, Mercy Corps, HIAS Ukraine and others who support such vital initiatives.