When women know their rights and have the means to exercise them, their voices can become a force for change.

Freedom of association offers people a way to come together, make their voices heard and address shared challenges. 21 Roma women explored how exercising this fundamental right can strengthen solidarity within their communities and to address the challenges they face in different areas of life, including access to justice.

What does access to justice mean for a Roma woman who does not know where to turn when facing domestic violence, or who fears discrimination when seeking help? These were among the real-life challenges raised during the event, as Roma women shared their experiences, raised questions and discussed how collective action through civil society could help them overcome barriers to information, legal assistance, protection and equal treatment.

Participants also received practical guidance on joining, establishing and operating civil society organisations (CSOs), as well as fostering dialogue and co-operation with the CSOs and public institutions.

The event was organised during the Visibility Week of the Council of Europe Programme Office in Ankara, by the European Union and Council of Europe Joint Programmes “Supporting Functional Implementation of the Roma Strategy at Local Level (LOCALROMA)” and the women’s rights component of “Fostering Civil Society Participation and Capacity Building in Access to Justice in Türkiye”.

With a deeper understanding of their rights and new practical knowledge, Roma women are better equipped to participate in civil society, address shared concerns and engage in decisions affecting their communities. The discussions highlighted how sharing experiences and working together can help women make their voices heard and contribute to meaningful change.