The EU Delegation and UN Women Moldova supported Roma Women March to champion rights, equality and inclusion
In celebration of International Roma Day, over a hundred Roma women from across Moldova and Ukraine, as well as their supporters united in a powerful public demonstration of solidarity within the fifth annual Roma Women March, organized by Roma Women Platform “ROMNI” in close collaboration with UN Women Moldova, with the financial support of the European Union, under the EVOLVE4GE project and Sweden.
Held as part of Amare Amala: Roma Culture Week, this year’s march celebrated the Roma identity, culture, and the power of collective action, while drawing attention to the systemic inequalities and ethnic stereotypes still faced by Roma women and girls. As per 2024 census, Roma community represents 0.4% of total Moldovan population of 2.4 million.
Despite progress in human rights policy, Roma women continue to encounter multiple, intersecting forms of discrimination, impeding their access to healthcare, education, employment, and justice, while exacerbating their exposure to gender-based violence. Roma women fleeing war in Ukraine are among the most vulnerable, often at risk of trafficking and exploitation.
The President of the Roma Women Platform “ROMNI,” Elena Sîrbu, opened the march with a message of unity: “Today’s march is not just symbolic, it’s a collective call for justice, dignity, and equality. Roma women are strength, resilience, and voice. We rise together and work toward a society where no woman is left behind. Roma women are like you – Roma women have the same rights!”
“This march is a powerful reminder that Roma women are not only demanding equality, but they are also leading the way toward it,” stated Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women Moldova Country Representative. “Their leadership, courage, and lived experiences must be at the center of our work to build a just and inclusive society. UN Women stands with Roma women and girls in this journey not just today, but every day.”
The event included a symbolic stop at the Parliament – where participants shared messages on the status of Roma women in the country and young Roma women highlighted the importance of girls’ education and representatives of NGO ROMNI presented their demands and calls to action aimed at strengthening institutional commitment to Roma inclusion, gender equality, and protection from violence.
The demonstration culminated in a powerful performance staged by young Roma girls in front of the Parliament, portraying the persistent unequal opportunities experienced by Roma versus non-Roma women and girls.
Participants from the Roma community shared that they joined the march to support one another and to make their voices heard. “I experienced discrimination firsthand when I returned from Germany and tried to enroll in high school, being initially turned away. A few years on, I can say things have improved and we are more accepted now. I have many friends today, and we relate to one another as equals,” said Erica, a 17-year-old Roma girl from Otaci.
Samir, a 21-year-old Roma man from Chișinău, emphasized that not only Roma women and girls face challenges due to stereotypes and prejudice, which is why he chose to take part in the march. “Unfortunately, I’ve noticed this is a widespread issue affecting all women, not just those from our community. However, due to ethnic stereotypes, the challenges are even more pressing for Roma women and girls. I believe all women deserve the same rights as men and must be supported to learn, to work, and to thrive.”
Following the march, UN Women Moldova hosted an outreach session tailored to Roma Women’s information needs. The session provided a platform for Roma women and girls to share experiences and gain valuable insights about their rights and other topical issues.
The Roma Women March was preceded by the International Forum “European Cooperation for Roma Inclusion: From Policies to Action” held from 2–3 April, where UN Women Moldova contributed to discussions on increasing Roma women’s participation in decision-making processes, underscoring the importance of inclusive governance and representation.
By joining and supporting such initiatives, the EU, along with UN Women Moldova reaffirms its commitment to amplifying the voices of Roma women and girls, advancing gender equality, and ensuring that no one is left behind. UN Women Moldova will continue to work alongside Roma communities, partners, and state institutions to break down barriers, challenge harmful stereotypes, and build a society where every woman and girl, regardless of ethnicity, can live free from discrimination and violence.
