We wrote down barriers and recommendations for the employment of women from marginalized Roma communities (MRC)
During the implementation of the UPre Women programme and event with employers, we identified barriers that hinder Roma women from disadvantaged backgrounds from finding, obtaining, and, most importantly, maintaining employment. These barriers and tested solutions have been documented to assist employers and relevant government institutions. We divided the barriers into two levels -–personal and systemic […]
Women need support, not criticism
In the event called World of Women, successful women who have the opportunity to influence the lives of others and inspire people around them, have come together. Author Lenka Hlinková, director of a large company Katarína Vaškovičová, social worker Monika Duždová, and singer Katka Koščová shared their stories. The event was moderated by well-known screenwriter […]
The new publication captures our insights and approaches to empowering Roma women.
The “UPre Women” publication is full of findings, experiences, and recommendations we have gained from a year of working with women in Dobšiná and Veľký Krtíš. This practical publication captures our approaches to empowering Roma women (one of the most disadvantaged groups of people living in Slovakia). Our work and support lead them to gain […]
UPre Women moved to the Luník IX area in Košice
The programme helps Roma women from impoverished environments to change their mindset, become aware of their rights and responsibilities, and gain the desire and strength to work towards changing their lives. And the lives of their entire families. The stories of women from Luník IX are not simple, but participating in the programme is seen […]
Experts, employers, and Roma women discussed about a significant problem that receives too little attention in Slovakia
The employment rate of Roma women aged 16 to 64 is at 16%* In other progressive countries, these numbers would raise alarm, and authorities would urgently seek solutions. In Slovakia, most authorities act as if it doesn’t concern them. However, this alarming problem not only affects Roma women and their families but the entire society, […]
An ordinary conversation can turn anger into understanding
Slovak society is polarized in almost every topic. Instead of supporting each other and striving together for the common good, we throw obstacles in each other’s way and judge people we don’t even know. This negativity also happens in the world of women, when one points to another for not breastfeeding, another criticizes the other […]
Why is it important for whole families to be involved in the programme?
Participants in the UPre Women programme are women in households, taking care of children and the entire family. Therefore, they need their family members to support and replace them when they are attending training sessions. That’s why we systematically work and communicate with entire families. We explain to them why it’s important for women to […]
The self-defense course teaches women how to avoid conflict, work with stress, and find their inner strength
The self-defense course taught Roma women how to avoid conflict and, if unavoidable, how to successfully defend themselves against physical attacks. It was led by Michal Horňáček and Gabika Horková from Prodefense Academy. They also focused on dealing with stress, which can negatively impact not only potential attacks but also, for example, in a job […]
We conducted training for the partners of the UPre Women program
UPre Women not only empowers Roma women but also our project partners. At the end of June, we conducted a training in Dobšiná aimed at strengthening the capacities of partners’teams working in the field of social inclusion of marginalized Roma communities. The training was attended by employees of the Community Center for Minorities from Veľký […]
A mentor is like a shadow. A mentor is like a shadow. She always walks two steps behind her mentee.
In May 2022, training of UPre Women mentors took place in Dobšiná and Veľký Krtíš. Mentors learned not only what the mentoring programme entails, but also how to build a relationship with their mentees without losing professionalism and how to deal with established work stereotypes. Experienced mentors will be available to Roma women during the […]