Speak Up

We must talk about violence against women! This is especially true in the Roma community, where the topic has long been a taboo and is often downplayed. In five Czech cities, we will emphasize to Roma women that domestic violence is by no means a part of Roma traditions and has no place in any society. At the same time, we plan to conduct research, as relevant data on violence against women in the Roma community is currently missing in the Czech Republic.

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• Domestic and gender-based violence against Roma women is not discussed, even though it is a serious social problem.

• In some Roma families, domestic violence is unfortunately considered a part of everyday life.

• Some Roma women are even convinced that "minor violence" is part of Roma traditions.

• For many Roma women, talking about violence is a source of shame.

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What exactly are our goals?

To reduce violence against Roma women by strengthening their self-confidence and self-respect. From our many years of practical experience working with Roma women, we know that violence against women exists in Roma communities, even if it is not talked about. And that, of course, is wrong. We will therefore motivate women to start speaking openly about violence. At the same time, we will inform them about ways to break out of this "vicious circle."

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You are not the culprit, you are the victim.

Starting in January 2024, groups of Roma women will meet regularly in five Czech cities—a total of 50 women. During these meetings, they will gradually and sensitively open up the topic of domestic and gender-based violence. Naturally, women who have been or still are victims of domestic violence—whether physical or psychological—will be able to join the discussion. At these meetings, they will have the opportunity to talk about their problems "out loud," without shame and in a safe environment. However, no one will be forced to do so. Throughout the process, we will be collaborating with various experts in domestic violence prevention. The groups will be led by members of our long-standing Roma women's group, Manushe, who are respected leaders in their respective localities.

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Violence against Roma women is not discussed, even though it is a serious social problem. In some Roma families, domestic violence is unfortunately considered a part of everyday life. Some Roma women are even convinced that "minor violence" is part of Roma traditions.

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Why do we need research?

Because there is no relevant data in the Czech Republic regarding violence against women in the Roma community. Research could show how widespread domestic violence is in Roma families. Such data is important for society as a whole, as well as for us and other organizations that help victims of domestic violence. We will collaborate on the research with the Faculty of Humanities at Charles University. It will involve 500 respondents from across the Czech Republic. Members of the Manushe group will help with data collection for the upcoming study.

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What else is ahead?

We will also organize a Summer School for young Roma focused on the prevention of domestic and gender-based violence, so they know how to stand up against it themselves and how to respond when they witness such violence. At the same time, we will create an information campaign, including podcasts, focused on the prevention of domestic and gender-based violence.

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Project outputs

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Podcast on the first survey regarding domestic violence in Roma communities

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Podcast on domestic violence in Roma communities 2

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Podcast on domestic violence in Roma communities 3

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Podcast on domestic violence in Roma communities 4

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Speak Up / Vaker zoraleder spots

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The "Speak Up Project", registration number CZ.03.02.03/00/22_044/0002151, was funded by the Employment Plus Operational Programme.