Many Roma, Dom, and Abdal women in Türkiye face systemic challenges in accessing justice. Our grantee partner, the Roma Memory Studies Association (Roman Hafıza Çalışmaları Derneği – Romani Godi), is working to change this reality. Through monitoring, research, and reporting, Romani Godi strengthens the social memory of the Roma community and develops rights-based solutions to tackle inequalities.
In Gaziantep and Hatay, Romani Godi is redefining what justice means for Roma, Dom, and Abdal women—communities that have long faced deep-rooted barriers and harmful stereotypes. Taking an intersectional approach, they are giving women the tools, knowledge, and confidence to stand up against rights violations and claim the justice they deserve.
Justice, One Woman at a Time
With our grant support, Romani Godi has:
- Empowered 27 leaders from 13 Roma associations with workshops on gender equality, women’s rights, and justice mechanisms.
- Trained 9 community facilitators to guide women on legal rights, referral pathways, and access to justice.
- Defended women’s rights in 14 legal cases.
- Held awareness workshops for 86 women, with 80% reporting an increased understanding of their rights.
- Helped 6 associations develop and implement Gender Equality Policies.
- Provided direct legal support and referrals in 39 cases, including applications, legal consultancy sessions, and referrals to legal aid and other institutions.
Building Trust, Changing Systems
This project created meaningful change at both organisational and community levels. The facilitator model strengthened trust within local communities, while partnerships with bar associations and civil society organisations opened new pathways to justice for marginalised women.
In total, the project directly engaged around 130 individuals, including community members, facilitators, and civil society representatives. By combining hard data with real stories of empowerment, Romani Godi has laid the groundwork for lasting change.
Looking ahead, Romani Godi plans to strengthen its facilitator network and create accessible legal resources to ensure women not only know their rights but feel empowered to claim them.
“With your support, we are taking the first steps in the struggle for the rights of Dom, Abdal, and Roma women – among the groups most affected by the earthquakes, yet often invisible. Thank you for walking this path with us.”
Thank You to Our Donors
Through legal training, mentoring, and strong partnerships, Romani Godi is breaking barriers, building justice, and challenging harmful stereotypes—one woman, one story at a time. This work is only possible thanks to the generosity of our donors.
Watch our video interview with Romani Godi to hear more about their journey and the impact of their work.
