Second European Union Minorities and Discrimination Survey – Roma women in nine EU Member States

Abstract

"Despite efforts by the European Union (EU) and its Member States to reduce gender inequalities among citizens of Roma origin, important gender differences persist. Drawing on FRA’s own survey research in nine EU Member States this report highlights the position of Roma women in education, employment and health, as well as the extent to which they experience hate-motivated discrimination, harassment and physical violence. While all women are affected by inequalities in a range of areas, Roma women face additional challenges as extreme poverty, exclusion and discrimination reinforce their disadvantages even further. In core areas of life, such as education, employment and health, Roma women fare worse than Roma men and than women in the general population. In addition, Roma women, especially those who marry and start a family at a very young age while living in severely deprived material and housing conditions, are even more disadvantaged and at risk of exclusion and marginalisation."