In Nerubaiske, a small village in the Odesa region, the Roma community was visited by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Ukraine, Natalka Cmoc.

For the Roma women, this was a unique opportunity to speak openly and directly. They were able to tell the high-ranking official about their daily lives: 

  • Barriers to accessing education and healthcare;
  • The lack of humanitarian aid;
  • Systemic discrimination against Roma women;
  • The need for systemic changes.

The visit was organized by the Voice of Romni team together with the non-governmental organization “Romani Zbora,” with the support of the Ukrainian Women’s Fund. “Romani Zbora” is led by activist and Roma leader Zhuzhuna Duduchava, who has been supporting Roma communities in the Odesa region for many years. She spoke in detail about her organization’s experience during the war, the specifics of the region, and the challenges faced by local Roma men and women.

Our organization was represented by Zinaida Prokopenko, the advocacy advisor for Voice of Romni, who accompanied the Ambassador:

“This is my first meeting of this kind, and I am very pleased to have had this honor. I was particularly impressed by how sincerely, openly, and hospitably the community welcomed the Ambassador—with open hearts and hope for dialogue and support.”

And this dialogue took place! It was sincere, frank, honest, and emotional. We deeply appreciate this visit as a gesture of respect for the dignity of every person. It is important that the Ambassador personally visited the Roma community to better understand their living conditions and to hear the voices of Roma women about their needs, challenges, and hopes. Such attention and support are desperately needed today by vulnerable communities that have remained unnoticed and unheard for years.

Natalka Cmoc listened attentively, asked questions, and was genuinely engaged in the conversation. Her presence is not only a manifestation of Canada’s diplomatic support for Ukraine but also a concrete demonstration that human rights, equality, and inclusion are not empty words but real benchmarks of her country’s foreign policy.

During the trip, as a sign of care, we provided the Roma community with humanitarian aid—hygiene kits containing basic necessities. We are sincerely grateful to the Ukrainian Women’s Fund for the opportunity to be part of this event, to our partners from “Romani Zbora” for their collaboration, and to Ambassador Natalka Cmoc for her attention, understanding, and engagement.