This article is a contribution by ROMNI APS, partner of the ACADE-ME – Accelerating Capabilities against Anti-Gypsyism and Discrimination in Education project, and recounts the first Romani Women’s Conference held in Croatia—an event that brought together fashion, activism, political analysis and European visions for the future of Romani women.
Zagreb becomes the capital of the European Romani women’s movement
From 25 to 28 November 2025, Zagreb hosted the first Romani Women’s Conference in Croatia, organised by the Roma Alliance/Union “KALI SARA”. The event brought together 50 Romani women from 19 European countries, alongside national and international institutional representatives, establishing itself as one of the most significant moments of recent years for the Romani women’s movement in Europe.
For four days, the Croatian capital became a space for political, cultural and strategic dialogue, as well as a celebration of Romani creativity. Symbolically opening the conference was a fashion show that intertwined identity, art and political claim-making.
When fashion becomes a political language: the fashion show at the Diplomat Hotel
Romani creativity at centre stage
On 25 November, in the ceremonial hall of the Hotel Diplomat, a fashion show inaugurated the Conference, spotlighting Romani and non-Romani designers and brands. Broadcast live on Z1 TV and on the YouTube channel of the Roma Union “KALI SARA”, the event demonstrated how fashion can become a powerful tool of representation and cultural re-elaboration.
Hosting between professionalism and artistic engagement
The evening was hosted by Maja Grubišić and Boris Kosmač, well known for his involvement in cultural and humanitarian initiatives. Kosmač also curated the runway choreography and performed a musical piece that was warmly received by the audience.
Performances by Bojan Jambrošić, Stela Rade, and Erika Varga set the rhythm of the evening, creating a harmonious dialogue between sound, movement and fashion.
Designers, brands and innovation: Romani fashion as a contemporary vision
Romani Design (Hungary)
The renowned Hungarian brand presented creations blending traditional Romani motifs with urban style, turning fashion into a language of identity and political expression.
Look Famous (Sisak, Croatia)
Led by Albina Gaši, the brand showcased elegant and modern collections, highlighting the role of Romani women in creative entrepreneurship.
Greta Gudelj and malaGbag
Designer Greta Gudelj presented garments characterised by experimentation and innovative cuts, while malaGbag introduced handmade artisanal accessories, emphasising the importance of Romani craftsmanship.
A runway bringing together professionals, Romani women and public figures
Among the models were:
- Romani women from different regions of Croatia,
- professionals from the fashion sector,
- well-known public figures such as Aleksandra Grdić, Jelena Katarina Kapa, and Katarina Golec.
The joint presence of public figures and Romani models conveyed a clear message: Romani fashion is an integral and recognisable part of the contemporary scene, not a marginal segment.
An unprecedented conference: analysis, proposals and concrete goals
The Romani Women’s Conference marked a fundamental step, not only because of its international scope, but above all because it was promoted and organised directly by a Romani association—an innovative model that redefined participation and leadership roles.
A year of preparation and European-level analysis
The organising committee, composed of Romani women from six countries, worked for a year analysing:
- national and European strategies on Romani populations,
- EU and Council of Europe documents,
- research from around twenty countries.
The analyses revealed a growing—but still insufficient—awareness of the multiple discriminations faced by Romani women. Significant challenges remain in access to services, social protection and economic opportunities. A key issue highlighted was the need for clear political will to condemn discrimination and promote concrete measures ensuring equal rights.
The four strategic areas of the Conference
Working groups produced conclusions and proposals structured around four main pillars.
1. Political participation
Key demands included:
- greater representation of Romani women in all decision-making bodies,
- specific electoral quotas,
- mentoring programmes “Romani women for Romani women”,
- sanctions against political violence and hate speech.
2. Economic empowerment
Core proposals:
- strengthening Romani initiatives through institutional partnerships,
- positive measures for access to employment,
- incentives for employers hiring Romani women,
- support for Romani women’s entrepreneurship.
3. Education
Identified priorities:
- scholarships for adult women,
- quotas for access to schools and universities,
- flexible learning pathways,
- awareness-raising programmes for educational and administrative institutions.
4. Combating discrimination
Proposed actions:
- inclusion of Romani culture in school curricula,
- hiring Romani women as cultural mediators in schools,
- countering discriminatory narratives in the media and society.
Towards a European network of Romani women based in Brussels
One of the most ambitious goals emerging from the Conference is the establishment of an international Romani women’s network office in Brussels, the decision-making heart of the European Union.
The office would:
- support the Conference’s objectives at the European political level,
- facilitate organisational and financial coordination,
- provide support to Europe’s most vulnerable regions.
The role of institutions and the meaning of the slogan: “Life after the Conference”
During the final plenary session, national and European institutional representatives spoke, including:
- Suzana Krčmar, President of “KALI SARA”,
- MP Veljko Kajtazi,
- representatives of the Croatian Presidency and Government,
- Marko Vešligaj, European Parliament,
- Dubravka Šuica, European Commissioner,
- Georgios Stamatis, Council of Europe.
It was reiterated that the aim was not to create an isolated event, but to initiate concrete changes starting from the following year, as expressed by the slogan “Life after life” / “Life after the Conference”.
This message was further reinforced by Nathalie Rayes, former U.S. Ambassador to Croatia, who stressed the need to move from analysis to action.
Solidarity with the Romani community in Slovenia
The Conference expressed strong condemnation of the so-called “Šutar Law” in Slovenia, deemed:
- a violation of human rights,
- discriminatory,
- based on a securitarian approach towards an entire minority.
European institutions were urged to intervene to ensure respect for international standards.
Conclusion: culture, politics and Europe’s future meet in Zagreb
The Romani Women’s Conference, together with the fashion show that inaugurated it, represents a key moment for the European Romani movement.
- Culturally, Romani fashion demonstrated a creative force capable of reshaping public imaginaries.
- Politically, the proposals outlined a concrete strategy for the empowerment of Romani women in Europe.
- Institutionally, the idea of a European network based in Brussels marks a strengthening of Romani presence in decision-making spaces.
The Conference’s final message—transforming discussion into action—sets out a clear and ambitious path for the future.
To learn more about ACADE-ME – Accelerating Capabilities against Anti-Gypsyism and Discrimination in Education, visit the project website (insert link).
