From the lead partner of the ACADE-ME project – Accelerating Capabilities against Anti-gypsyism and Discriminations in Education, AEC LENDAVA – Ljudska Univerza Zavod Za Izobrazevanje Odrasl, comes news highlighting a good practice developed in Slovenia, capable of strengthening the role of Roma women as drivers of social inclusion and positive change.
Social Activation+ (Set 3): Empowering Roma Women as the Foundation of an Inclusive Society
In the Pomurje region of Slovenia, good practices are emerging that demonstrate how positive changes in the lives of Roma women can be generated through adequate support. One of these initiatives is the Social Activation+ (Set 3) programme, implemented in Lendava and Murska Sobota.
The programme is carried out by Ljudska univerza Lendava in cooperation with Ljudska univerza Murska Sobota and the association Društvo Mozaik. Supported by European and national funds, it opens new pathways for learning, empowerment, and greater autonomy for participants.
A Programme Designed to Meet the Needs of Roma Women
Roma women often face multiple barriers to integration in education pathways, the labour market, and broader social life: from social exclusion and poverty to discrimination based on gender and ethnic origin. Targeted programmes that respond to these specific needs are essential to promote lasting and sustainable change.
Social Activation+ offers participants comprehensive support, including:
- development of basic skills for everyday life and work;
- exploration of different professional opportunities and practical experiences;
- individual counselling;
- a safe space to develop abilities, recognize personal potential, and strengthen self-esteem;
- the creation of networks with educational institutions, employers, and support services, in order to open concrete pathways towards further education or employment.
A Structured Pathway with Multiple Groups to Address Different Needs
The division of the programme into several groups (1, 2, and 3) responds to the need to ensure continuity, gradual progress, and personalization of interventions. Each group represents an edition of the programme, designed to welcome participants with different levels of skills, experiences, and needs, allowing the support provided to be adapted and enabling each woman to be accompanied along a realistic and sustainable pathway. This modular approach also makes it possible to capitalize on the results of previous editions and to progressively improve intervention methodologies.
The results achieved so far confirm the importance and effectiveness of the programme.
Results of the first group:
- one job placement;
- attainment of a national professional qualification (NPK) as a Roma assistant;
- three enrollments in programmes for the development of basic skills.
Results of the second group:
- one job placement;
- an extremely positive internship experience with an external employer, which enabled the participant to gain direct contact with the working environment and strengthen professional habits.
A third group is currently underway, continuing the empowerment process and the gradual overcoming of everyday obstacles.
More Than Just a Programme: A Step Towards Equal Opportunities
Social Activation+ represents an important tool for social inclusion. By providing Roma women with access to knowledge and support, it contributes to reducing inequalities and overcoming social stereotypes. Programmes of this kind demonstrate that appropriate approaches can generate positive change not only for individuals, but also for families and the entire community.
In line with the mission of the ACADE-ME project – Accelerating Capabilities against Anti-gypsyism and Discriminations in Education, this experience is shared to give visibility to activities carried out in partner countries and to raise awareness within civil society about the issue of anti-Gypsyism. Promoting good practices such as Social Activation+ means strengthening a culture of inclusion, respect, and equal opportunities in the field of education and beyond.
