Stories of Roma women from Poland and Ukraine

Together with the Foundation Towards Dialogue, we give voice to Roma women from Poland and Roma refugee women from Ukraine, who talk about themselves and their diverse communities – as well as their struggle for equal treatment, plans for the future, dreams, and aspirations.

Often it is the majority that dictates the way we speak and write about Roma and Roma women, while referring to stereotypes deeply rooted in European societies. Racism and systemic discrimination are part of the Roma experience. In our series, we create a space where Roma women speak with their own voice and on their own terms.

Are you Joanna from the Roma community?

Story

Romani community proved that they can handle crisis situations. Contrary to the stereotype, they don't reach out for help and don't expect the world to do something for them, but they organize and act independently, and they do it increasingly effectively

By Paula Szewczyk

I never thought we would have so many wonderful people around us, that we would have the means to organize new projects, employ new people, and do so much in such a short time. Despite being tired, I still want to do more.

By working for the community, I can demonstrate the strength of Roma women

Story

Therefore, what she strives to do in her work is to build a sense of personal security in Roma individuals, ensuring access to education, work, and activities where they can learn the language. Everything that allows a person to stay on track and start life anew.

By Paula Szewczyk

Her connection with the community is based on an understanding of being a member of a minority group. She is a Polish citizen, so issues related to positioning in the community and understanding phenomena faced by people from ethnic and national minorities, such as discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes, are not unknown to her. I’m familiar with it all, and I know it happens at every level of educational or professional life.

Roma girls can achieve what they dream of

She will stay in Poland for some time for sure. What about the future? Time will tell. For now, what matters is that she is an active, Romani women's rights advocate, emphasizing that where you come from, even if it may seem like an obstacle, can be overcome with determination and effort.

By Paula Szewczyk

She never hides her background in any situation; she sees no reason to do so. She understands that her Romani friends might not want to do it to avoid discrimination, but she prefers to confront it. Even if it comes at a personal cost.

Helping has become her purpose

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Each newly found housing or job for a Romani family is a reason for her joy, just like the first one was. Since she knows Przemyśl quite well, she knows which areas are best for the Roma, and what would be good for their families and children.

By Paula Szewczyk

One could say that a gateway to getting to know people who are not always like us has opened in Przemyśl. It turns out that what makes us different can promote mutual interest, and many things can be learned from each other.

Her destiny is to take care of the others

Story

Working at the Foundation opened her up to people. As soon as she sees a Romani family somewhere on the street or in a store, she immediately approaches them, introduces herself, and asks if everything is okay with them, or if she can help in any way.

By Paula Szewczyk

She is a proud Romani first, then a Ukrainian. What does that mean? It means that she respects her origin and traditions, and the most important thing for her is respect for family, elders, and other human beings in general.

We must act now, while there is life!

Story

Now, just as volunteers helped Rada at the beginning of her stay in Poland, she voluntarily helps those who come to Warsaw from Ukraine. As a mentor at the Foundation Towards Dialogue, she tries to help them get accustomed to the new reality, solve their everyday problems, from planning shopping to filling out paperwork, and finding a home where they can live.

By Paula Szewczyk

When she takes action, she feels a sense of agency, deciding for herself. All in all, she believes that her life experiences, including the war, forced emigration, loss of home, and separation from loved ones, have made her stronger.

Rada could not believe in separating families

Story

One year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Towards Dialogue Foundation has launched the publication of a series of testimonies by Ukrainian Roma refugee women. Their poignant stories bear witness to the enormously traumatic experience of war.

By Emilia Pluskota

Roma men and women were inconvenienced – at the border and in many temporary residence centers. Even though they were all fleeing the same war.

Liza cried through the first month

Story

When Russia invaded Ukraine, she didn't think long. She packed up on the second day of the war. Her husband, Vasyl, also packed up, ready to go in the other direction: to join the Ukrainian army. She cried a lot, but she remembers her stay in Przemyśl well. People helped her, and organized activities in which her children participated. They had never been abroad before.

By Adam Durjasz

Now she is trying to be a support for her children. She wants them to go to school, so they don’t get into trouble. She is determined and ready to see to it. Let her neighbors’ complaints be proof of that.

Timea hopes for safe life

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She still believes that staying in Poland is a chance for them, despite everything. The cake she received from the Foundation's staff was the first one in her life. In November, she celebrated Béla's birthday herself, dressed him in a shirt, forbidding him to wear a hat so he wouldn't mess up his hairstyle. In the hallway of the elementary school, she is a bit embarrassed - she herself has not gone to school too much.

By Adam Durjasz

When she talks about her past, she most often uses the verb “barlangólni.” In Romani, it means “to roam around,” “to wander aimlessly.”