By Iulia Dobrea and Kalina Gyulsever
In the heart of Eastern Europe, where tradition often demands silence, Roma women in Bulgaria and Romania are finding their voices and rewriting their futures.
“We have a saying, ‘A woman’s hair is long, but her mind is short’,” says Reneta Krivonozova, a young Roma woman from Bulgaria. “This implies that a woman doesn’t need education or personal development. Her sole responsibility is to carry and take care of a child.”
Reneta recounts how her mother had to fight for her and her sister’s right to attend kindergarten, battling prejudice from educators who believed Roma children lacked ambition. “Our development is hindered from a very young age,” she explains. “If we can’t access quality education, there’s no chance for good employment opportunities, either.”
While these deeply entrenched beliefs often hold women back from realizing their potential, Krivonozova created her own path, defying the stereotypes and limitations both within and towards her community.
With a master’s degree in political science from the Université libre de Bruxelles and a background in applied linguistics, she now works as an assistant at the European Parliament. Her career journey so far includes experience in a number of organisations both in her home country and across Europe, including advocacy on children’s rights and Roma inclusion.
Krivonozova is not alone. Despite facing challenges, Roma women are beginning to rewrite their stories. Efforts to empower them encompass legal reforms, grassroots initiatives, and sharing personal stories of resilience like hers.
The plight of Roma women in Bulgaria and Romania is grim. They face a myriad of challenges stemming from deeply ingrained societal biases. Socio-economic hardships remain a significant obstacle: in Bulgaria, for instance, 25% of Roma women have no formal education, while in Romania, the lack of access to childcare and employment opportunities further exacerbates their vulnerability. Coupled with cultural expectations that normalize domestic roles for women, many remain economically dependent, hindering their autonomy.
Gender-based violence is alarmingly prevalent in these communities, with 87.5% of Roma women reporting physical aggression as the most common form of abuse. However, systemic barriers, such as mistrust in public institutions and inadequate legal protections, leave many victims without recourse. In Bulgaria, only 37% of Roma individuals are aware of equality bodies, and a mere 14% have reported instances of discrimination. Similarly, in Romania, despite broader awareness of anti-discrimination laws, women hesitate to engage with judicial systems due to past negative experiences.
Connecting personal experiences like Reneta’s to broader organizational efforts, numerous NGOs in Bulgaria and Romania have stepped up to empower Roma women. These organizations work tirelessly to combat entrenched inequalities, providing critical support systems, advocacy platforms, and educational programs designed to create lasting change. By bridging grassroots movements with institutional advocacy, these NGOs aim to dismantle barriers and unlock opportunities for Roma women to thrive.
Largo Kyustendil, a non-profit based in the Roma quarter of Kyustendil, Bulgaria, has been a driving force in empowering Roma women since 2007. Focused on breaking systemic barriers, the organization runs programs centered on education, employment, and community leadership.
“Education is key to breaking the cycle of marginalization,” says Sasho Kovachev, Largo’s director. Over the past decade, the NGO has supported more than ten Roma women in completing university degrees, including a Fulbright scholar now studying in the U.S.
The organization also tackles economic challenges by offering job readiness workshops, soft skills training, and guidance in starting small businesses. “We help women prepare resumes, practice for interviews, and connect with potential employers,” Kovachev explains. These initiatives have helped many Roma women achieve financial independence and improve their quality of life.
Community engagement is another pillar of Largo’s approach. The NGO has established six women’s clubs across Bulgaria, creating spaces for Roma women to discuss issues, advocate for solutions, and work with local authorities. One successful campaign focused on building playgrounds in underserved neighborhoods. “We empower women to seek solutions for their communities, whether it’s advocating for better resources or creating safer spaces,” Kovachev adds.
Largo also works to reshape public perceptions. Their national photo exhibition featuring successful Roma women has traveled to seven cities, inspiring thousands. Accompanying videos tell stories of women pursuing dreams like becoming medical professionals. “When people see these stories, it challenges stereotypes and shows the strength and potential of Roma women,” Kovachev emphasizes.
Reneta envisions a future where Roma women can freely choose their paths without being tethered by cultural or societal expectations. “I dream of the day when I walk into a high-level office and see it filled with Roma women — not as tokens but as equals,” she says. Her work and resilience continue to inspire a new generation of Roma women to break their own chains and rewrite their narratives.
In Romania, Bucharest-based E-Romnja is dedicated to supporting Roma women. Unlike larger-scale programs, E-Romnja focuses on building long-term trust and involvement within specific communities, such as those in Prahova, Bacău, and Giurgiu counties. “We don’t move from one region to another,” explains Anca Nica, a representative of E-Romnja. “Locally, people know we address women’s issues, and they come to us. We don’t actively ‘seek out victims’.”
The organization’s work also involves combating intersectional discrimination. “Roma women face compounded vulnerabilities,” Nica notes. “They are marginalized not only as women but also as Roma, often living in poverty and lacking access to education, healthcare, and the labor market.” This perspective guides E-Romnja’s initiatives, ensuring they respond to the multifaceted challenges faced by Roma women.
One of the most appreciated projects that E-Romnja supported was the “Gala of Roma Women”, an annual event held from 2016 to 2020. It celebrated Roma women excelling in fields like education and healthcare, providing role models and challenging stereotypes. Additionally, the organization has established initiative groups in local communities, offering a safe space for women to share their experiences and collectively tackle issues like domestic violence.
While Largo focuses heavily on education and community-led projects, E-Romnja advocates for broader legislative changes. “I would like to see Romania harmonize the European Directive addressing forced marriages,” Nica stresses. “We also need more specialized services for victims and state-funded training for professionals in social work, the police force, and healthcare.
The path forward requires not only the continued dedication of NGOs and activists but also the involvement of policymakers, communities, and individuals.
Krivonozova’s path could serve as a role model for other Roma girls in Europe. Facing discrimination both within and outside the Roma community, she left to pursue her education and career.
“There are many expectations of me both from Roma and non-Roma people in Bulgaria,” she says. “In my community, I am considered a bad example of a woman because I openly advocate for Roma women’s rights. Outside of it, I am often perceived as uneducated or pitiable. But I refuse to live under that pressure and dedicate my life to doing what I feel is important.”
Reneta remains optimistic and motivated. “I wish little Reneta had people like adult Reneta in her life,” she says. “I strive to create spaces where young Roma girls can focus on who they want to be, not just conform to societal molds.”
Her advice to young Roma women is simple yet powerful: “Don’t let anyone tell you who you should be. Explore what makes you happy and pursue it wholeheartedly.”
