Romkinje između mita i (srbijanske tranzicijske) stvarnosti
Romany Women Between Myth and (Serbian Transitional) Reality

Summary/Abstract: First, the author examines myths and stereotypes about Roma women, and claims that those can be reduced to the formula "music+dance+erotica". Second, she analyses the reality and shows that all theseare far away from it, especially from basic human freedoms. She reveals that Roma woman is expected to be completely obedient to Roma men and the possibility of achieving some kind of respect and position within Roma community may be realised only in golden years of her life (if she lives long enough), and if she has given birth to several children (if they live). A part of their every day experience is social, economic, racial and political discrimination. However, they are also exposed to sexism and misogyny coming from their own community. The main problems of Roma women are the lack of equal access to education, health and medical services and institutions, the forced sterilisation, violence against women, early, prearranged marriages, sexual taboos, non-existence of Roma women in political life and very scarce participation in Roma political mobilisation. Finally, she says that some Roma women, Roma rights activists, are independent both from movement for Roma rights and from Serbian women movement.

• Details
• Contents