Spain hosted a thematic visit by the Council of Europe’s ADI-ROM group of experts focused on examining the situation of Roma women and girls, as well as national responses to persistent challenges such as discrimination and barriers to education, health care, housing, and political participation. The visit was jointly organised by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030 and the Ministry of Equality. It brought together representatives of the Spanish government, Roma women’s NGOs, the Council of Europe, and delegations from Albania, Lithuania, Portugal, Romania, and Serbia.
Discussions highlighted significant progress in several countries in strengthening legal and institutional frameworks to combat antigypsyism, intersectional discrimination, and the specific vulnerabilities faced by Roma women and girls. Spain was identified as a leading example, notably through the recognition of antigypsyism in criminal law, the establishment of specialised prosecutorial units, and the introduction of reparative mechanisms.
Despite these advances, participants stressed that legal reforms alone are insufficient. Persistent underreporting of hate crimes, mistrust in public institutions, and limited policy implementation at the local level continue to impede meaningful change. Testimonies from Roma women underscored the need for sustained implementation, trust-building efforts, and community-centred approaches to ensure that protections and opportunities effectively reach those most affected.
Participants also noted that long-term progress depends on transforming public narratives and strengthening Roma women’s leadership. Community-driven, intersectional initiatives were highlighted as among the most effective means of addressing structural inequalities in education, health, housing, employment, and protection from violence.
The visit included meetings and workshops with leading Roma women’s networks, notably the Artemisa Network, which shared good practices in mediation, health, education, and political advocacy. Artemisa’s grassroots initiatives employ peer mediation and holistic support to overcome barriers to education and health services, with a strong focus on empowering emerging female leadership and promoting Roma women’s active participation in democratic and decision-making processes.
“We reaffirm that the equality of Roma women and girls is an indispensable requirement for the quality of our democracy. Without it, there can be no fully democratic Europe,” stated a government representative.
Delegations from Portugal, Lithuania, Albania, Romania, and Serbia also shared national efforts and innovative practices, including mediation programmes, scholarship schemes, and empowerment initiatives. A thematic report based on the visit’s conclusions will be submitted for adoption to the Committee of Experts on Roma and Traveller Issues (ADI-ROM).
