Our society is changing for the better and positive changes are visible, but only if we work together our efforts to eliminate prejudices and achieve greater equality of Roma women will bring the anticipated results, said Commissioner for the Protection of Equality Brankica Jankovic at the regional conference “Roma women then and now “, held in the City Assembly of Novi Sad on the occasion of marking the 50th anniversary of the First Congress of Roma and the end of the campaign” Month of Roma Women’s Activism “.

Noting that Roma women are an extremely vulnerable social group, susceptible to social exclusion, exploitation, human trafficking, violence and disenfranchisement, additionally burdened by traditional gender roles in the family and social environment, the Commissioner stressed the need to include the female-Roma dimension in the decision-making processes, laws, measures, action plans and strategies which are related to the improvement of their position. “I believe that the time will soon come when it will be common for us to see Roma women working not only in insufficiently paid and demanding jobs, but also as employees in banks, public institutions, as doctors, social workers, economists,” Commissioner pointed out.

At the conference, whose aim was to reduce prejudices and stereotypes towards Roma women by presenting positive results in the work of the Roma Women’s Network, participated the Roma women who made great strides and stand as the example that barriers can be passed and that it is time to overcome all prejudices and obstacles to the full equality of all citizens. Among other speakers at the conference were aslo the Minister of Human and Minority Rights Gordana Comic and the President of the Management Board of the Roma Women’s Network of the Republic of Serbia Ana Sacipovic.