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Roma Women’s Leadership Circle: From Silence to Strength

byСтаница ПЕТ

In one of our target communities, something powerful has been quietly taking root. What began as a few women gathering after a legal advice session has grown into a self-organized, peer-led Roma Women’s Leadership Circle.

This inspiring group of women now meets regularly to share experiences, learn about their rights, and support one another in facing daily challenges related to education, child protection, early marriage, and gender-based violence. Most importantly, they are beginning to speak with confidence for themselves, their daughters, and their community.

“Before, I was ashamed to speak, even when things were wrong. Now I know what my rights are, and I’m not afraid to ask for help or to help another woman.”
– Member of the Roma Women’s Leadership Circle

What made this possible?

✅ Trust built over time through our paralegals, health promoters, and gender promoters
✅ A safe space for legal knowledge, storytelling, and psychosocial support
✅ A belief that every woman holds the potential to be a voice for change

Already, members of the Circle are taking on informal leadership roles referring neighbors to our services, advocating for girls’ schooling, and even helping de-escalate domestic situations by guiding families to support resources.

While this initiative wasn’t part of our original plans, it has become a cornerstone of community strength, a grassroots space where healing, learning, and transformation come together. For our team, it’s a reminder that lasting change often starts with listening, presence, and trust.

We’re proud to stand beside these women and we look forward to expanding this model in more communities.

This post was originally published on this site

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