Roma Women’s Empowerment and Fighting Discrimination in Access to Health

Programme(s): Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme-REC Programme 2014-2020

Topic(s): REC-RDIS-DISC-AG-2019

Type of action: REC Action Grant

Funded under: Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme

Project ID: 881961

Objective: It is estimated that there are 180000-350000 Roma living in Greece. National and international reports on Greece agree that Roma live segregated from the rest of the population and face multifaceted discrimination, particularly in the areas of housing, education, employment and health. Data suggests that Greek Roma population in general suffer from greater exposure to determinants of ill, live less healthy lifestyles, and have poorer access to and lower uptake of primary care and preventive health services. Roma tend to use health services less than the general population due to linguistic and cultural differences and lack of knowledge of their entitlements concerning welfare issues and available services. Literature draws attention to mistrust of health providers and personnel. Reports on discrimination or fear of discrimination preventing access to health care are also found. In addition, the healthcare staff and staff in the Roma branches of the community centres often lack specific and experiential trainings and skills to effectively address the needs of the Roma population. The overall objective of the project is to strengthen the fight against antigypsyism and various forms of discrimination against Roma with a focus on access to health. It includes empowering Roma women and promoting their participation in developing policies directly affecting them by building the capacities of Roma women health mediators at the local level. It will also contribute to break stereotypes and promote societal support to Roma inclusion by raising the awareness and building the capacities of healthcare professionals and staff working at the Roma branches of the Community Centres of selected municipalities. Finally, the project will also provide useful information and insights on health status and needs of Roma women in Greece through desk and field research and lead to the drafting of concrete and tailored recommendations to improve their access to health.