public events as a path to mutual understanding

The Union of Roma Maternity Centres is primarily a self-help network for Roma women, activists who support each other and work together for the "emancipation of the Roma woman" and the elimination of the negative consequences of discrimination. This is why it regularly organises public events that develop the organisational skills of its members, give them the opportunity to meet others and present their activities to the wider public. The events thus help, among other things, to develop mutual dialogue between Roma and non-Roma.

On 8 April, the ÚRMC has been preparing the celebration of the International Day of Roma Men and Women for a long time. The word "Roma women" was deliberately added to the title to emphasize that this is also Roma Women's Day. Throughout the project, we have been looking for ways to ensure that the celebrations are repeated every year in as many places as possible. In 2022, ÚRMC organised them in Poltár, in 2023 in Detva, Málinec and Banská Štiavnica. Members of several folklore ensembles of different age categories and well-known pop culture personalities performed at the festivities. Women from local communities who are not members of the Union but who sympathise with it always cooperate in the preparation of the celebrations. Men are also involved in the preparations: one of the important tasks they are usually assigned is cooking the goulash.

Slovenčina

Another example of public events are sports days. Women organize volleyball or soccer tournaments. Once they played football in Detva on the square in front of the House of Culture to show that they can do it too - that a Roma woman can play football and sports in a public space. In 2024, two tournaments called Sport for Better Coexistence took place in Detva.

ÚRMC and its members are also involved in many other activities: they support local folklore groups, organize joint trips or workshops, clean up public spaces. These activities help to mobilise other Roma women and break them out of stereotypes. For many, this can be the beginning of a journey that leads them, mostly slowly and gradually, towards emancipation. Their presence in public life also breaks down stereotypes, breaks down barriers and removes hostility. These are more easily reproduced when people are isolated. In direct contact, they (at least some) find their way to each other. And that is certainly worth supporting.

Translated by deepl.com. Not edited.