Women’s initiatives are born where there is courage to speak about one’s own experience. They emerge in conversations between generations, in family memories, and in the desire to be heard and seen.

It was from this very strength that the idea for the documentary triad Voices of Romnia was born in Zaporizhzhia.

The film was created by a women’s initiative group with the support of our organization and our partners, CARE Ukraine. It is not just a film, but a space for the living stories of Roma women from three generations, who share their experiences, traditions, challenges, and everyday resilience through interviews.

The film reveals the Roma community through human stories, without stereotypes or simplifications, and with respect for the complexity and richness of lived experience. These are stories about how identity is preserved, how strength is passed from one generation to another, and how women’s leadership is shaped within the community.

What makes this initiative special is that it was created by Roma women themselves, as an expression of leadership, responsibility, and self-representation. From the initial idea to its implementation, they became the authors of their own narrative, proving that women’s voices in the community are not an exception, but a necessity.

During the film presentation in Zaporizhzhia, a discussion took place with representatives of the civil society sector, educators, cultural figures, and the local community. This dialogue once again confirmed that the visibility of Roma women in public spaces is key to overcoming stereotypes and building an inclusive society. In a broader sense, Voices of Romnia is an example of how women’s leadership transforms communities. It not only tells stories, but also creates new meanings, opens space for dialogue, and influences how a community presents itself across generations.

 You can watch the film on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/OemPC6cAvis?si=iCT_KoNZJCuM0SdY