Article written by EDRA – Social Cooperative Scamg for Activities with Minority Groups
While the media continue to reinforce and reproduce existing stereotypes about Roma people—portraying them as convenient scapegoats during times of economic crisis—these representations deeply influence individual opinions and strengthen racist discrimination against this community, fueling prejudice, xenophobia, and even incitement to ethnic hatred. Success stories involving Roma individuals are rare in mainstream media. However, there are many positive examples of Roma people who have excelled in various professional fields.
Role models can come from any social and professional background. Sometimes, they follow unconventional paths to discover their talent and vocation. Often, they face and overcome significant obstacles that contribute to their personal growth and the development of their resilience. Their experiences can inspire girls, boys, and young people of all gender identities who are searching for their place in society or who may be at risk of being drawn toward dangerous shortcuts.
These role models are a fundamental element in the development of social identities. The absence of women in leadership roles reinforces persistent gender stereotypes associated with leadership (Sealy and Singh, 2006). The social and economic inclusion of Roma people requires mutual commitment and transformation, both within Roma communities and within majority societies. The starting point must be education, through the elimination of school segregation. It is essential to promote an educational system capable of forming active, aware citizens who are fully integrated into society (2015).
Let us get to know some young Roma activists from different EU countries and follow their example by bringing to light Roma women from our own countries, to pave the way for many other young Roma women.
Dr. Anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka: A Roma anthropologist and activist, born in 1985 in Krakow, Poland. She holds a PhD in Social and Cultural Anthropology from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB, 2016). She also has two Master’s degrees: one in European Integration (UAB) and one in Comparative Studies of Civilizations (Jagiellonian University in Krakow). She is the author of policy assessments, reports, and articles and is co-editor of the book Education for Remembrance of the Roma Genocide: Scholarship, Commemoration and the Role of Youth (Libron, 2015).
She has worked with, founded, and collaborated with numerous Roma organizations in Poland and Spain. In 2018, she was appointed Deputy Director of the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC).
Carmen Gheorghe: An activist fighting for Roma women’s rights. She is the president of E-Romnja, an organization promoting the rights of Roma women. In 2022, she received the International Women of Courage Award.
Carmen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration (2006), a Master’s in Gender Studies (2008), and a PhD in Political Science (2014) from the National School of Political and Administrative Studies in Bucharest.
Sources:
- European Roma Information Office (ERIO), Roma Role Models – Leeds for Learning, 2015
- European Commission: Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, Role models – Promoting common values, Publications Office, 2018
- European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture – ERIAC
- Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Join the ACADE-ME project – Accelerating Capabilities against Anti-gypsyism and Discriminations in Education and help raise awareness among both Roma and non-Roma communities about the importance of education and women’s empowerment. By supporting educational pathways and promoting positive role models, we can break down stereotypes and create new opportunities for young Roma women, helping them build a more inclusive, autonomous, and opportunity-rich future.
