THE PROJECT
ROMANÌ
Empowering Roma Women, Improving Access to Health and Combating Gender-based Violence
The ROMANÌ Project aims to empower, connect, and amplify the voices of Roma women—voices too often unheard. It addresses the root causes of gender-based violence and discrimination, and seeks to reshape how their stories are told.
the context
What happens when gender-based violence meets intersectional discrimination and exclusion?
Across Europe, many Roma women face daily realities of domestic abuse, sexual harassment, forced marriages, trafficking, and exploitation. But this violence doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It intersects with deep-rooted discrimination, limited access to healthcare, social stigma, and a lack of adequate support systems — both within and outside their communities.
How can we break this cycle?
The ROMANI project takes a stand. Operating in Bulgaria, Italy, and Romania, where the situation is particularly critical, the project works to combat gender-based violence and ensure equal access to health and support services for Roma women.
when
It started on April 1st, 2025, and will run until March 31st, 2027
the approach
Our approach is comprehensive and community-driven
- we engage Roma communities directly, fostering trust and participation
- we empower Roma women, amplifying their voices and supporting their autonomy
- we collaborate with health, social, and anti-violence professionals to challenge stereotypes and improve responses
- we build strong alliances with public authorities, with the support of four institutions in Bulgaria and Italy.
the actions
What does it take to break free from gender-based violence?
The ROMANI project is committed to answering this question by working alongside Roma communities and with health and social professionals to understand, support, and empower.
Our approach is built on four key objectives
Understanding the way out
What helps Roma women escape gender-based violence?
We start by identifying the social, cultural, and structural factors that make it possible to leave marginalization and abusive situations behind.
Empowering from within
Real change happens when communities lead it
We work directly with Roma women and men, promoting empowerment and challenging the gender stereotypes and cultural norms that fuel violence.
Bridging cultures in care
Healthcare and social work professionals play a crucial role — but do they have the tools they need?
We offer training in cultural sensitivity and GBV support, so they can better understand and assist Roma women with respect and competence.
Building trust, creating access
Real change happens when communities lead it
We work directly with Roma women and men, promoting empowerment and challenging the gender stereotypes and cultural norms that fuel violence.
the partners
Who’s behind the ROMANI project?
ROMANI brings together a committed international consortium of universities, NGOs, and foundations that share a common goal: to fight discrimination, gender-based violence against Roma women and promote lasting, community-driven change.
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Italy)
CAPOFILA
With a long-standing tradition in interdisciplinary research, UCSC leads the project with scientific rigor and vision. The team, from the Department of Sociology brings together experts in social research methods, ethnic minorities and discrimination. UCSC coordinates the entire project.
Veronica Riniolo (Principal Investigator),
Anna Facchetti, Oana Marcu, Alberto Vergani
HESED – Health and Social Development Foundation (Bulgaria)
HESED brings deep, hands-on experience in community development, GBV prevention, and health education. With its innovative, research-based interventions and deep trust within Roma communities, HESED plays a key role in engaging Roma women and men in the project activities.
E-Romnja (Romania)
A leading voice in Romania, E-Romnja is a Roma feminist organisation that fights for justice, equality, and the rights of Roma women. With over 60 projects implemented since 2014 and strong roots in GBV activism, E-Romnja ensures that Roma women are truly heard and represented in every phase of the project.
Carmen Gheorghe, Anca Nica
Caritas Ambrosiana (Italy)
With deep experience in working with marginalised groups — including Roma migrants in Milan — Caritas plays a crucial role in addressing GBV locally. It brings valuable networks, expertise, and a strong community presence to the project’s fieldwork.
ISMU ETS Foundation (Italy)
ISMU enhances the project with its solid experience in European research on GBV and migration, as well as its capacity to design impactful communication campaigns targeting vulnerable groups. It will lead efforts in awareness-raising and dissemination), ensuring that ROMANI’s messages reach wide and diverse audiences.
What is the ROMANI Project all about?
The ROMANI Project is a bold step toward transforming the lives of Roma women and reshaping how their stories are told.
It aims to empower, connect, and elevate voices that are too often left unheard—while tackling the root causes of gender-based violence and discrimination.
Changing the narrative: Roma women as agents of change
The ROMANI project uncovers the stories of Roma women who have overcome barriers—stories of strength, turning points, and the personal and community support that helped them thrive. Through these stories, shared in empowering ways, we’re building a collection of role models to inspire and guide other Roma women. At the same time, we’re spotlighting the factors that help prevent gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequality.
Empowering Roma communities from within
ROMANI is not just about women—it’s about communities rising together. We support Roma women to lead transformative change, fostering gender equality through dialogue, awareness, and collective action. Roma men and women will be engaged in open conversations that break down harmful stereotypes and encourage shared responsibility. Across three countries, we’ll strengthen women’s groups, promote health education, and advocate for better well-being for Roma women.
Bridging the gap: Roma women & essential services
Access to healthcare and anti-violence support shouldn’t be a privilege. ROMANI works to remove the barriers Roma women face when seeking help—from fear and prejudice to systemic gaps. We’re building trust between Roma communities and health and social professionals through cultural sensitivity training, outreach efforts, and improved communication. From reproductive health to GBV support, we’ll ensure that Roma women can access the care they need—confidently and safely. A key innovation: a digital toolkit and local governance networks that help public servants and professionals address these intersecting challenges effectively.
Raising voices, changing minds
Our communication strategy goes beyond raising awareness—it’s about rewriting perceptions. Through campaigns co-created with Roma women, we’ll challenge harmful stereotypes and promote their voices in public discourse. Events, storytelling, and local-to-European level outreach will ensure ROMANI’s impact is seen, heard, and shared across borders. Our goal is simple: amplify Roma women’s voices and make sure their stories shape policy, practice, and public opinion.
(CERV-2024-DAPHNE)
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.