Underestimated population size
Roma communities represent a significant portion of Serbia’s population, yet their actual size is often underestimated. According to the 2022 census, around 133,000 Roma reside in the country, though unofficial estimates suggest the number could exceed 500,000. This discrepancy highlights challenges in accurately counting Roma populations and reflects the marginalization and social exclusion they face daily.
The challenges of marginalization
Roma women, girls, and returnees bear the brunt of discrimination and limited access to education and economic opportunities. Their exclusion is not just an individual issue but an obstacle to societal development, as the potential of all its members remains underutilized.
Education: a step toward inclusion
In recent years, efforts have been made to improve Roma school integration in Serbia. During the 2022/23 school year:
- 1,120 scholarships were distributed.
- 271 pedagogical assistants were employed to support students.
These initiatives aim to reduce dropout rates, enhance student performance, and challenge biases within the educational system. However, much remains to be done to ensure equal opportunities and overcome barriers to genuine social and economic inclusion.
Workshops for change: the know how centre case
In October 2024, the Know How Centre in Novi Sad organized a workshop for young Roma women and non-Roma women. The goal was to better understand their needs and identify gaps in education and community training, with a special focus on mental health.
Key issues highlighted by participants included:
- Stress management and mental well-being.
- Reproductive health and self-awareness.
- Gender-based violence and addiction prevention.
Participants particularly emphasized substance abuse as a widespread issue among young men in their communities, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and prevention strategies.
Tailored communication for new generations
An interesting takeaway from the workshop was the preferred formats for raising awareness among younger generations. Participants showed a strong preference for modern communication tools like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and podcasts. At the same time, they acknowledged the importance of on-site education and direct outreach initiatives to reach marginalized communities effectively.
Toward a more inclusive society
Achieving Roma inclusion in Serbia requires a collective and coordinated effort from institutions, NGOs, and civil society. The focus must be on:
- Education and continuous training to break the cycle of exclusion.
- Awareness-raising and anti-discrimination campaigns to foster mutual respect.
- Amplifying Roma voices, especially women and youth, to ensure their needs and aspirations are central to inclusion policies.
With targeted initiatives and a growing focus on the needs of Roma communities, it is possible to build a fairer and more inclusive society where everyone can realize their potential.
The ACADE-ME project
A concrete example of this commitment is the ACADE-ME project, which addresses the persistent failure of Roma social inclusion processes. By focusing on education, awareness-raising, and promoting positive role models, the project combats anti-Roma sentiment, discrimination, and barriers to empowerment. Funded by the European “Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values” (CERV) program, ACADE-ME demonstrates that change is achievable through targeted actions and a shared vision for the future.
This article was created with the valuable contribution of KHC – Know How Center (Serbia), a partner of the ACADE-ME project, committed to raising awareness about the current situation of Roma communities in Europe and fostering an inclusive dialogue to combat marginalization and social exclusion.
