April 8 is more than just a date on the calendar. It is a day when we remind the world again and again: the Roma community exists, resists, grows, and creates the future.

 Let’s begin with a video from the United States, where Roma women activists from Ukraine made a powerful statement on the international stage. We created this piece especially for April 8 to show that the voices of Roma women are being heard — loud and clear — across the world.

@voice.of.romni Міжнародний день ромів: як українські ромки заявили про себе у США 🗓️ 8 квітня — це не просто дата в календарі. Це день, коли ми знову і знову нагадуємо світові: ромська громада існує, бореться, розвивається і творить майбутнє. #Міжнароднийденьромів #роми #ромки #НьюЙорк ♬ оригінальний звук – Voice of Romni / Голос Ромні

This year, we are especially proud of the participation of Roma women activists in the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in the USA. For two weeks, they took part in panel discussions, met with international partners, and advocated for critical issues — from combating discrimination to ensuring the inclusion of Roma women in Ukraine’s recovery efforts.

Last year, the President of Voice of Romni, Anzhelika Bielova, was the only Roma representative from Ukraine. This year, she brought together a strong team of four activists who proudly represented the Roma community on the global stage.

April 8 is a day of remembrance, pride, and hope. Since the First World Roma Congress in 1971 in London — when the Roma flag and the anthem “Djelem, Djelem” were adopted — Roma communities have come a long way. But much work still lies ahead: the fight for equal opportunities, dignified representation, and the preservation of our unique culture and language continues.

Every voice is a step toward change. And today, we speak out loud and clear: Roma women are the leaders of the future.Our experience and expertise must be included in shaping Ukraine’s post-war recovery.