Collective Action for Increased and Meaningful Participation of Roma Women in the Public Sphere

The right to participate in public and political life is a core function of democracy.

It is pivotal to enhancing democratic governance, strengthening the rule of law and promoting social inclusion.

Roma and Sinti people have an equal right to participate in public affairs, including the right to vote, stand for election, participate in public affairs and decision-making, and form political parties without discrimination. Basic conditions for effective participation include early involvement, inclusiveness, transparency, meaningful participation, and ownership.

The workshop will:

• Explore interest in collective action and entry points for increased and meaningful participation of Roma women in Poland in the public sphere and decision-making processes
• Raise awareness on the available opportunities and institutional mechanisms for collective action and public participation, voicing Roma women's needs
• Identify priorities for consideration at the multi-country Conference for Collective Action by Roma Women, to be organised by ODIHR

The workshop is part of the ODIHR project “Capitalizing on the Human Dimension Mandate to Advance Gender Equality” (CHANGE).

Participation is by invitation only.​​​

Background

The 2004 OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality sets out OSCE priorities in promoting gender equality within the Organization and in all 57 participating States. The Action Plan mandates ODIHR to “assist participating States in promoting women’s political participation” and “assist in the development and implementation of specific programmes and activities to promote women’s rights, increase the role of women at all levels of decision-making, and promote equality between women and men throughout the OSCE area, particularly through education in gender awareness.”

Furthermore, the OSCE Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti within the OSCE area, acknowledges the particular situation of Roma and Sinti women, calls for women’s participation in consultative policy-making processes and systematic mainstreaming of Roma women’s issues, provides Roma and Sinti girls with equal opportunities for education and social inclusion and urges for promoting women’s participation in public and political life.