Strengthening effective participation of Romani Women in Elections the
Republic of Moldova 2014 – 2015
Mission Report I
Letitia Mark, Consultant
5 December 2014
1
1. Introduction
The objectives of the mission:
1. Assist Romani women from the targeted localities to identify, formulate, prioritize and agree on
key issues pertaining to their rights and needs, both at national and local levels; in total up to 15
communities were to be targeted.
2. Provide support to Romani women from the targeted localities to voice their needs and issues
directly to the political party leaders and the leaders of the state;
3. To inform the Romani women from the targeted localities about the parliamentary election
process and to encourage them to vote.
The first mission started in 22 November 2014 the date of departure from Romania to Moldova, in respect
for the contract assignment to be in advance of November 30, 2014, before pre- parliamentary election.
It was finalized in 2 December 2014, including the travel to Romania.
The legal environment in the Republic of Moldova and the premises for Roma women political
participation
In the general context analysis has been considered reporting it to the specific objectives of the project to build the capacity of Romani women community organizations, Romani women’s groups and Romani
women in the communities to identify their needs and priorities in programs supported localities through:
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empower of Romani women and girls in the Republic of Moldova, to involve local and national
elections (as voters, participants in electoral committees, as candidates);
Encourage Romani women to articulate issues in the context of national and local elections, and
to bring to the attention of relevant UN agencies requests for support in the articulation of
agendas;
Support the development and advancement of the newly-established network of Romani women
and girls
The relevant normative acts in the Republic of Moldova:
General legal norms:
The Constitution1 of Republic:
Article 1, paragraph 3: Moldova is a constitutional state,
in which human dignity, rights and freedoms, free development of
justice and political pluralism are supreme values and are guaranteed.
democratic,
personality,
Article 16, paragraph 2 guarantees the principle of non-discrimination
1
http://lex.justice.md/index.php?action=view&view=doc&lang=1&id=311496 publised in the Official Journal
(Monitorul Oficial) no.1/12.08.1994
2
Article 38, paragraph 1 establishes that the will of the people is the power in the state and is
expressed through free elections held regularly through universal, equal, direct, secret and free vote.
The Electoral Code2 with subsequent modifications:
Article 11-12: The citizens of Moldova who have reached the age of 18 may elect and be elected
regardless their race, nationality, ethnic origin, language, religion, sex, political affiliation, wealth or social
origin.
The Political Parties Law3
Reported the issue analyzed, we consider important the rule established by Article 1, paragraph
3: Political parties can establish structures to deal with specific problems of social or professional groups.
This rule has a general character, and in content of the law is not specified how these structures can be
established, their role in party, financing, organization, etc.
Decision on approval of the Action Plan on equality between women and men in the election for the
years 2014-20154
Although in this official document was established an action plan and deadlines for their
implementation, we did not find official reports on achieving the objectives.
Specific legislation against discrimination:
Law about the rights of National Minorities and legal status of their organizations5
Article 24 establishes that: The persons belonging to national minorities have the right to
approximately proportional representation in executive power structures and the judiciary at all levels, in
the military, law enforcement agencies.
We consider that the used notion: “approximately proportional” is incorrect and creates the
possibility to apply subjective criteria in practice. Also this notion we consider that is not compatible
with the notion of predictability of legal norms according to the European Convention on Human Rights.
Law on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men6
2
http://lex.justice.md/index.php?action=view&view=doc&lang=1&id=312765 publised in the Official Journal
(Monitorul Oficial) no. 81/08.12.1997
3
http://lex.justice.md/index.php?action=view&view=doc&lang=1&id=327053 publised in the Official Journal
(Monitorul Oficial) no. 42-44/29.02.2008
4
http://lex.justice.md/index.php?action=view&view=doc&lang=1&id=352854 publised in the Official Journal
(Monitorul Oficial) no. 110-114/09.05.2014
5
http://lex.justice.md/index.php?action=view&view=doc&lang=1&id=312817 publised in the Official Journal
(Monitorul Oficial) no. 107/04.09.2011
6
http://lex.justice.md/index.php?action=view&view=doc&lang=1&id=315674 publised in the Official Journal
(Monitorul Oficial) no. 47-50/24.03.2006
3
Contains a special chapter on ensuring equal opportunities for women and men in the field of
public activities (administration, politic, mass-media). However the law does not establish the applicable
sanctions imposed on non-compliance authorities
Law on Ensuring Equal opportunities no. 121 of 25.05.2012
Specific legislation about Roma communities
Decision Nr. 494 of 08.07.2011 on approval of the Action Plan on supporting the Roma population in
Moldova for 2011-20157
Situation of women in Moldova:
We considered principally the Research report about the women involvement in public and
political life in Moldova, developed within the Eastern Partnership Facilitation by Council of Europe8.
According to this report, women's Political Participation depends on a number of factors, as: the
access to information, economic and social status, and education, political and legislative measures. It was
found that the participation of women in political structures and processes, where decisions on the use
of resources generated by both men and (especially) women remains insignificant.
The report recommends an active involvement of civil society in solving this problem and real
collaboration between authorities and civil society
Situation of Roma women in Moldova:
We considered most significant the Study produced as a result of cooperation on between UN
Women, OHCHR and UNDP Moldova - Study on the situation of Romani women and girls in the Republic
of Moldova9:
Romani women are almost completely excluded from political life, particularly as candidates and in
electoral management structures. There are few Romani women employed in public functions while they
are also excluded from elected and civil service positions in the local and regional administration.
Economic hardship, family responsibilities and lack of confidence in assuming public roles represent
7
http://lex.justice.md/index.php?action=view&view=doc&lang=1&id=339319 publised in the Official Journal
(Monitorul Oficial) no. 114-116/15.07.2011
8
http://www.infoeuropa.md/femei/participarea-femeilor-la-viata-publica-si-politica-din-republicamoldova/
9
www.un.md/publicdocget/126/
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obstacles to Romani women’s participation and representation in political and public life. Above all, it
appears that no mainstream party has ever placed any Romani women candidates at any electable
position on a party list, in either local or national elections.
After analyzing the general context, were structured a few working hypotheses:
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Roma women are not represented in the political decision
The majority of Roma women do not know their rights and obligations they have
Most Roma women have no access to objective information sources
The majority of Roma women are influenced
There is a difference of treatment between men and women in the electoral process, the gender
difference is doubled by ethnicity Roma women
There are differences of approach to reality Roma men and women
Women are much harder to establish itself in public life
The interest in the electoral process is higher among men than among the Roma women
Methodologies applied during the mission
Before the Mission the consultant reviewed the documents mentioned by the UN Women staff and other
relevant documents considered important for general and specific information in order to be familiar with
the legislation and the key policy documents and we summarized as the following.
During the mission there were 2 meetings, one at the beginning of the mission with the UN staff and one
of the end, in 01.12.2014 with Soraya Post, Roma MEP and Cristina Raducanu, national consultant
applicant. Unfortunately I didn’t meet the president of Roma Party, Vasile Drangoi, Marin Ala, Nicolae
Radita ( I had a short discuss with him at the phone), Ruslan Stanga, leaders of Roma active NGO-s involved
in social inclusion of Roma communities. They were on the list as Roma leaders invited by the UN Women
Staff to participate at the meeting previewed on 01. 12. 2014, the second day of Parliamentary election. I
have also to mention that Roma Party is not on the list of parties involved on the competition.
In 7 Roma communities /villages / towns were organized meetings and interviews with mediators and
discussions with Roma lieders (77 persons, and the children who came with their mothers and the children
of the kindergarten of Schinoasa). Additional we distributed 90 orange scarfs and promotional materials to
promote the campaign against domestic violence.
The methodology, participatory observation, discourses, non-structured interviews, I had to adapt at the
local circumstances and possibilities, in general minimal, sometimes in the house of the participants.
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2. An overview of needs as voiced by Romani women, the needs of Romani women in relation with
the main political platforms, voter behaviour among Romani women
Village of Chetrosu, Drochia,
Visited on 25 November, Contact point: Mediator Ms. Varvara Nenita
The Roma community in Chetrosu appeared to be in better situation then other communities, the levels
of poverty are not extreme. Most families make a living by trading goods from Russia. The community
features women who are well educated; they were aware and interested in projects and programs for
Roma. Besides the mediator, VN, there are other potential resource persons who were formed as a result
of positive measures. Access to information and programs to promote Roma women have allowed some
women to gain higher education (Elena Ursachi, working in public administration and Nenita Natalia, who
completed the Faculty of Law).
Interviewed women stated that within the family, women have an equal role with men were not, they
stated that they were not obstructed from attending school. None mentioned being subject of domestic
violence ("give them, we give") or being forced to leave school early and marry.
Very sensitive topics –domestic violence - were unapproachable, at the outset the women proposed not
to talk about politics and their political choices. When discussing politics and political choice most of the
participants at the discussion appeared to be disoriented.
Some were appeared to be nostalgic about the communist era, noting the wide availability of jobs.
Educated women used to enjoy more respect as educators, now they are forced to be a saleswomen in
the cold in the bazaar. Once the consultant opened the discussion about political influence and choice,
explaining the decision making power of politicians and institutions, participants complained about their
condition as marginalized women, they highlighted the limited opportunities they have beyond trading
goods from Russia.
Interviewed women did have expectations from political parties but were interested in the political offers,
yet they appeared disappointed about the lack of interest in issues regarding them. They spoke about
empty political propaganda and about the threat of closing borders with Russia which they said would
mean the loss of income sources. They appeared to have a limited understanding of the political landscape
in Moldova. Some of the women who were exposed to seminars and trainings spoke about discrimination
in the job market and lack of access to bank credits.
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The participant women were able to voice their needs in a coherent way. The most important issues for
them were:
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Availability of jobs,
Access to micro credits for developing small businesses,
Combating discrimination on ethnic basis (the issue of gender inequality was unapproachable)
In general when discussing gender inequality or domestic violence, participants did not consider
themselves victims. They seemed content about their role in the family and their needs were rather of
economic nature i.e. bad work conditions in the bazar, debts to banks, etc. Most participants spoke three
languages very well, Romani, Moldavian (Romanian) and Russian. As stated above they have various levels
of education, they exposed a good sense of humour and intelligence. It must be noted the mediator – the
contact point for the mission – has made the selection of participants, thus the above information is
relevant for the group of interviewees.
The community in Chetrosu has a high potential in terms of women leadership. The mediator is an
experience activist. She participated in training courses in Moldova and Romania. She has higher
education and has worked as an educator. She participated in international events such as the EU Roma
Summit organized under the Spanish Presidency in Granada. She has contacts with known Roma women
activists from Romania.
She expressed a direct interest to participate in politics, even at the national level. She claimed however
those negotiations with Roma leaders from the Roma Party were not fruitful. She is definitely a leader and
an opinion maker in the Chetrosu community.
Main recommendations:
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Further encourage the local leader, Varvara Nenita to run for local office in the upcoming
elections, other educated resource persons are also available, yet the question remains if parties
are willing to accommodate them on their lists,
Support in the form of training for candidates is necessary,
Romani women also need to secure resources for running campaigns,
Romani women need further awareness raising about the role of local and national authorities,
about how decisions are being made and how they are accessible,
Implement economic projects, entrepreneurship courses and micro credits targeting Romani
women.
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Village of Tranova TIRNOVA,
Visited on 25 November, no mediator, Varvara Nenita is facilitator, mediator of Chetrosu
The situation of the Roma community in Tirnova is in sharp contrast with that from Chetrosu. The
community is at the limit of survival. The group of Romani women who met with the consultant were
under the authority of two old men. The meeting was facilitated by the mediator from Chetrosu, VN. The
interviewed women were subject to severe poverty and had little hope for solutions.
Once the consultant opened the discussion about political influence and choice, explaining the decision
making power of politicians and institutions, the leading voice of the group ZD expressed her revolt about
political promises. Referring to candidates she said “everyone comes and makes promises, they come and
they go, lately they do not even come at all, everyone steals, they use our signatures and make money on
them”. Due to the above experiences the women were suspicious about the intentions of the consultant.
The fact that the meeting was taking place very close to the elections day intensified this tension.
The vice-mayor was very keen to participate at the meeting. He complained of lack of funding for social
assistance. He mentioned that the poorest families have grave health problems and the minimum income
is insufficient.
The needs of the Romani women are basic:
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Social assistance. Often they lack of ID documents and the resources to obtain them, this fact bars
them from accessing social assistance, healthcare. VN offered to help with obtaining documents,
Food and wood for heating,
Lack of education, women mentioned that they marry at an early age, mostly after grade 4,
Medical care. An alarming incidence of chronic disease. Many women were widows and access to
healthcare is limited due to lack of coverage.
Availability of jobs. Interviewed women expressed willingness to work. They do work as day
workers at the “colhoz”.
The community is totally dependent on decisions made by the mayoralty office. These in turn claim
insufficient funding. Within the family women are under the authority of men, submitted without a voice.
Families are usually large with many daughters in law who will not speak without consent of elders. Most
participants complained about poverty, poor health lack of basics (wood and food).
Early marriages are frequent, but women denied that, once asked about their age and how many children
they have they would acknowledge that they married early and abandoned school. The Roma community
in Tirnova is presented sever social cases; discussions on political decision making were almost
unapproachable. The community lacks a mediator and leadership is confined to men and is traditional.
Women lack education and due to traditional roles have no understanding relate to political decision
making. They expressed no interest, rather revolt, when asked about options for the parliamentary
elections.
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Poverty is of feminine gender in Tarnova, men control every aspect of life including social assistance.
Main recommendations:
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Hiring a community mediator who can provide support for obtaining id documents and provide
primary assistance: access to education and health care.
Prevention of school dropout is a priority,
Education, scholarships, a social canteen, clothes and school materials are among the measures
urgently needed,
Medical care and medical insurance are necessary.
Otaci Village
26 November, Facilitator: Sarban Andrei (Pentecostal pastor), volunteer as facilitator
The Roma community in Otaci appeared to be divided into two classes, the poor and the rich Roma. Access
to the rich families was not possible. The community speaks Romani and Russian, they had a poor
knowledge of the state language. The poor families were very hospitable and welcoming. Aid from the
Church prevails in this community.
The initial plans were to hold the meeting with women participants at the city hall had to be scrapped.
There was a lack of willingness to support the mission by public authorities. Participants were kept waiting
without and new venue had to found. Eventually the group of convened in a local public place, where the
atmosphere towards the Romani women was very unfriendly.
Once the consultant opened the discussion about political influence and choice, explaining the decision
making power of politicians and institutions, participants display a lack of trust in politicians and political
process. They showed little interest to participate in the elections. There is lack of education among
community members; it was evident that women are the most affected. Only one participant had
attended school for more than x grade. Some women appeared more autonomous, she had travelled
much, had grandchildren although she was older and seemed emancipated.
In the community women recognized authority and men, mostly due to traditional customs and religious
orientation, women accept domination of men. Some declared that as "Christians" they take decisions
together. Early marriage is practiced but women would rather not talk about the subject, even in the
pastor's family, young women had children and were uneducated.
The participants expressed the following needs:
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Access to welfare,
Access to housing (a participant had her house burned, an received no assistance),
Concrete support for obtaining ID documents,
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Access to education, poor education because of lack of financial resources,
The community leader, (pastor) would like to be a mediator but did not know the Romanian
language,
Main recommendations:
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Hire a mediator who can take a leadership role, on the long run there are opportunities for
political representation but they need to be developed,
More awareness raising about political processes and how decision making influences daily life
(basic level),
Programs to fight poverty and fostering education through concrete measures, especially
scholarships,
Projects targeting social services and health.
Riscani Town
Visited on 26 November
Facilitator: Laura Bosnea, mediator
The town of Riscani featured a large Roma community with many problems that need addressing. The
Local Authorities seemed disinterested in supporting the community. The Community befits from the
services of a mediator. LB Laura Bosnia, the mediator and facilitator, is a resource person with leadership
potential. She displayed interest in starting a movement of women through affirmative action and the
principle of equal opportunities and chances.
Talking about political process and the elections was a very sensitive topic. Participants were suspicious
about the presence of the consultant, believing the intent of the mission was to influence the vote during
elections day. One participant, a mother, initially instigated aggression. The community appeared to be
closely controlled for voter purposes by the local leadership. A discussion about political options and the
offers of various parties was almost impossible.
The issue of domestic violence was touched upon. A woman participant was a victim of domestic violence.
She was quiet and resigned. The consultant introduced the participants to information about national
legislation that punishes violence. The informative materials about domestic violence from UN were
shared. Women participants said that they never resort to the help of police and justice system, it was a
“shame" to do so. The victim should be ashamed if she considers such action! Following the meeting the
mediator and the victim continued discussion, trying to find alternative solutions. The case discussed at
the meeting appeared not to be the only one; other women stated that they also experienced such
situations but they have not appealed to anyone, thus keeping the problems in the family. Most women
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displayed passivity and resignation, confidence in the authorities is very low. The decision-makers in the
family are old women; the meeting was not attended by any men.
Women keep to traditional roles in the family; there are serious obstacles in accessing primary education.
Women declared that they would like to participate in the political and economic life, but they lack
education.
Many families were dependent on welfare aid. The mediators’ main task was to assist with preparing the
necessary documentation.
The consultant informed the women about the rights they to be engaged in the political life of the
community as voters and as candidates, participants were mostly unaware how those rights apply to
them. They were informed about the election, the election campaign, but it was obvious that they are
handled and manipulated to vote "against Romania" instigated without knowing beforehand what it
means. As mentioned above one of the participants who came during the after the start of the meeting
was very aggressive.
The right to vote, the right to be elected, and the right to decent work were recognized but participants
did not know how to apply them. They wanted to be counselled etc. but stated that no one came to inform
them. There was genuine interest in politics; participants expressed their priorities, although they seemed
to focus on demanding social support in spite of not appearing needy. They felt threatened when speaking
about their political choices. LB’s intervention calmed the atmosphere and the meeting ended in amicable
terms.
The participants mentioned the following priority needs:
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Availability of jobs,
Access to welfare
Access to education
Main recommendations:
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Strengthen the role of the mediator, encourage her to develop projects, programs, she is a very
good resource for the community,
The mediator has leadership potential but perceives political involvement as unappealing,
support for her is required to understand the full implications (negative and positive),
The mediator is focused on community work (her desire is to establish a multifunctional centre
in which to conduct educational programs, i.e. after school)
Further awareness about decision making at the local level is required,
The community seemed to be controlled, a priority is to identify the sources of control and
manipulation in electoral processes,
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Soroca
Visited on 27 November,
Facilitator: Laura Bosnea and Valeriu Caldarar
Soroca is the largest Roma community visited, dominated by the "those on the hill". The community is
closed, blocked by local leaders; the consultant was advised to go to the bazaar to talk to Romani women.
All contact details were not useful, eventually the consultant turned to Laura Bosnea and Valeriu Caldarar
in order to gain access to the "palace" of Robert Cerari, who called on Steliana Imanverdievna the
mediator.
The meeting was attended by the wife of the leader, who is a member IRU. He traditionally dominated
the discussion in the family and in the community. The community is dominated by Roma political leaders;
they are under the influence of "Roma barons" who obstructs access into the community. Only after
numerous phone calls and rejections we managed to gain access.
The local leader, Robert Cerar, son, grandson of Roma, barons, etc., have control of the hill in Soroca. He
has political aspirations to reach the government as he is a member of the IRU. He has links with Nicholai
Radita and Ala Marin two Roma NGO leaders from Chisinau. He initially refused to accept me or help me
in any way. I was afterwards invited in the “small house” with Laura subsequently in the palace, admire
for riches, etc.
The daughter in law of the family was very quiet, the daughters and granddaughters, treated like a little
royalty yet both very uncommunicative.
Robert’s needs were to assert himself in politics, among his priorities was to open a Center for Education,
for which he needs support.
He had good knowledge about discussions ate the high-level about the needs of the Roma – discussions
held in Brussels, Chisinau, Bucharest. He mentioned that at least three NGO leaders from Moldova have
political ambitions, yet NGOs are not allowed to participate in electoral completion.
Robert noted that he negotiated 2 places for Roma on the lists of the Democratic Party of Moldova for
parliamentary elections. The consultant asked if he thinks the advancement of women, yet he was not
willing to discuss this issue. Once the question was asked his wife became suddenly very interested in
politics in Romania. She was pro-PSD and Victor Ponta, first, because Germans deported Roma, (she
referred to the Holocaust).
Her orientation was similar with that of other women encountered, although not for the same motives.
Russia is a source of income and wealth, EU integration perceived as negative. Her husband aimed to gain
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prestige and participate in the international political life of Roma, his wish was to coordinate projects on
Roma at large scale he admired the model of Gruia Bumbu (Roma politician from Romania).
He was also an admirer of those who were at the forefront of the movement of Romani movement:
Onoriu, Gabi Lunca, and proud with a very high self-esteem, he finally the consultant in the palace,
exhibiting red carpets and expensive chandeliers, a palace worthy of a "king". The power map on Soroca
will deal with the sources of influence in a more detailed way.
The discussion with the mediator, which was perceived as "Moldovan", not Roma, by RC, because she is
only married to a Roma, was interesting. The mediator displayed subservience to RC and a willingness to
please. She mentioned that she was involved in educational programs and had a partnership with the
Dacia Center in a program supported by UNICEF. The program for ICT initiation for 15 Roma children,
among whom there were girls.
Main recommendations:
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Encourage joint projects with other organizations, national or international such as those
promoted by the Center for Dacia, to break the monopoly "barons" and introduce intercultural
projects at school level.
The mediator deserves to be promoted in local elections. The only councillor is illiterate, signing
documents with his finger. He was probably proposed by influential Roma in Soroca.
Employing more mediators and encouraging them to work in partnership. Launching projects
focused on inter-cultural issues,
Training for youth and young Roma women is a condition for access,
Dacia contact Center supported by UNICEF has the potential to do more projects, in which SI is a
resource,
Identify persons who are outside the circle dominated by rich Roma, on the long term youth can
be potential leaders
Schinoasa Village
Visited 28 November 2014
Faclitator: Ala Popcov, mediator
Schinoasa belongs to the commune of Tibirica, Calarasi. This is a completely isolated remote village, funds
do not reach them. Inhabitants would like to have a convenience store and a medical facility. There is no
access to medical facilities the roads are unpaved. The community is very poor, inhabited by “lingurari”
Roma. They are however very welcoming.
With UNICEF support the community has access to a kindergarten with 17 places. Children are weak and
pale. The teacher who commutes and wants to participate in local elections has access to information,
she own a lap-top and participated in discussions especially on policies for local communities. The teacher
was very interested in the discussion and is more informed then the participating women.
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Women are working in agriculture; they do day work around monastery. Men go to work in Russia. Young
mothers were already at their second child; they most likely married early and are uneducated, barely
completing 4th grade. There is no school in the village, a car provides daily transportation to the village
school in Tibirica.
The mediator wants to run in local elections, she believes there should be more Roma local councillors in
Schinoasa. As voters, women have an orientation toward pro-Russia parties; they feel threatened bad
relations with Russia will mean lack of access to receive at work and income. They speak only Moldovan.
This is the only place where the consultant was able to fully inform participants about the parliamentary
elections and provide information about decision making processes at national and local level. As
mentioned the local mediator is interested to participate in local elections, although she does not know
much about politics. Their only political orientation is based on the symbols of the parties. They have little
knowledge about the political offer of each party, except the distinction between pro-Russia and pro-EU
parties. The women manifested curiosity and interest about political issues, in particular the nursery maid
and the mediator.
The participants voiced the following needs:
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Asphalted roads and transportation,
A medical facility,
Shops and a community centre
Lucrative activities at home and especially since most were young mothers with many children.
They also need a school, at least grades I-IV, since children commute to Tibirica village and they
declared that are discriminated against. There are early school dropouts.
The community has a great potential in terms of population growth, but the practice of early marriage
and school dropout are key problems. Young women were already having the 2nd child, age 5-6. Most
live in the home, in two rooms, under very meagre conditions, yet we were invited in and offered food. A
very hospitable and open community.
Inhabitants want that the village to be separated from the commune of Tibirica (administratively), they
feel discriminated against because they are Roma, the funds are managed by the municipality and the
only aid they get is from foreigners.
Main recommendations:
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Concrete measures and direct investment in infrastructure
Projects aimed at combating poverty, invest in education, training courses of short duration
with workshops,
Accessibility to job s in agriculture, micro-credits,
Encourage political participation in local elections, provide affirmative action to accommodate
Roma women candidates (possible 1-2 candidates)
Trainings for candidates and further awareness raising for the women in the community.
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Mingir Village
Visited on 28 November 2014
Facilitator: Valeriu Caldararu
Valeriu Caldararu, the mediator, is a very strong resource and a true activist. He displayed emotional
attachment to his work in the community. He was also a recipient of scholarships, training and education
through various programs funded by the Roma Education Fund and OSF. He has a total involvement in the
movement of Roma in Moldova. Familiar with NGO language, experienced with projects. He is well
educated although hi family lives in poverty and poor conditions in the parental home. The mediator has
initiated projects and is involved in several ongoing projects
His political aspirations are limited by discrimination he declares. Even though Roma are ready to occupy
decision making positions they are not accepted in politics. There are some very well educated Roma in
Chisinau who are not able to participate.
Discussions about Roma women participation in politics is muted, women who are present see the hope
and the opportunity with VC. They are ready to support him, and they do not have their own political
ambitions. Knowledge about the political offers of parties running for parliamentary elections is low. VC
is very knowledgeable but disappointed with mainstream parties. He was the recipient of a prize - the
most active mediator, negotiator and communicator – these are very good attributes. He leans towards
the political line from Chisinau, which favours obviously men.
The participants reported the following needs:
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The interviewed women want jobs or welfare if jobs are not available,
Education is second on the list,
The mediator is aware about issues and mentions discrimination.
It is important to learn about the views of other women; the meeting setting did not allow that to
happen. Roma men activist while well intended have a monopolizing domineering tendency which stifles
the voice of women.
Main recommendations:
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Work with mediator to understand the need to have Roma women participate,
Support his political ambitions, he is a resource for the community,
Inform Romani women about decision making processes at the local level especially,
Address needs in terms of jobs and education.
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Conclusion of the mission on the ground
The consultant departed from the territory due to the risks detected by Claude Cahn, exposed in the email message from 29.11.2014. In Carpineni, Silvia Feraru the facilitator was attending a seminar, no
available contacts were found. For the localities where the consultant was not able to visit, further
discussions should be held in the next mission. More time is needed for the on the ground missions, since
the consultant needs more opportunities to interact with the Roma a women.
Furthermore the co-operation of local authorities is paramount, in order to provide a good setting for the
meetings. At the same time the presence of officials will limit the openness of the interviewees to share
their concerns.
3. Conclusions and recommendations,
The presence of Roma women in parliamentary elections as candidates was zero. Romani women were
rather uninformed about the offers of various political parties. The knowledge – in some places – was
limited on which party is pro-Russia and which is pro-EU or pro-Romania. Not even the leaders who have
a declared interest in participating in politics at the national level have managed to secure any position
on a party list (Robert Cerari, Varvara Nenita).
The consultant has not met any political activists campaigning in the visited communities. There is no
clear ideological orientation, Roma women vote based on "rumours". The spoken language is an
important factor. Voter turnout among Romani women is probably low, unless there are controlling
factors in the community.
Romani women did not expect politicians to address their needs. In many places they expressed their
complete distrust in politicians.
The main barriers to political participation are the lack of education, lack of awareness about decision
making processes at national and local level, poverty – in most communities- and the traditional role of
women. These are they key issues that need to be addressed.
At the same time in some of the visited communities there are leader women who have the potential to
be successful in local politics. They seem to have the support of their communities due to their specific
role i.e. mediators, pastors, etc. At the same time it is clear that if they decide to run for local elections
they will need support and training. They have limited access to resources and limited knowledge about
public administration and decision making processes at the local level.
Where potential for Romani women politicians exist it is unclear how they would be able to get good
positions on party lists. According to the interviewees, mainstream parties seem reluctant to accept the
in their ranks. At the same time they may opposition from male Roma politicians and even activists.
This report issues the following general recommendations:
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the access to information, economic and social status, and education, political and
legislative measures. It was found that the participation of women in political structures
and processes, where decisions on the use of resources generated by both men and
(especially) women remains insignificant.
The report recommends an active involvement of civil society in solving this problem and
real collaboration between authorities and civil society
Further encourage the local leaders to run for local office in the upcoming elections,
other educated resource persons are also available, yet the question remains if parties
are willing to accommodate them on their lists,
Support in the form of training for candidates is necessary,
•
Romani women also need to secure resources for running campaigns,
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Romani women need further awareness raising about the role of local and national
authorities, about how decisions are being made and how they are accessible,
Implement economic projects, entrepreneurship courses and micro credits targeting
Romani women. Encourage political participation in local elections, provide affirmative
action to accommodate Roma women candidates (possible 1-2 candidates)
Trainings for candidates and further awareness raising for the women in the community.
Projects aimed at combating poverty, invest in education, training courses of short
duration with workshops
Intercultural projects, mainstream measures , lobby and advocacy for combating the
discrimination, prejudices and exclusion.
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Final conclusion: in the optimistic way and with International organizations support, Roma women
have potential to participate and to be important factor of changing the prejudices regarding their
apathy and passivity. The women that I met during this mission are able to know first at all their rights
and to apply them in benefit of their communities and the future of their children.
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