The problems of Roma in Ukraine: gender aspects

Abstract

The article deals with certain aspects of current public policy towards Roma in Ukraine. The lack of official information regarding the number of Roma in Ukraine and their social and economic status is emphasized. The main areas of discrimination of the Roma minority are identified (education, living conditions, health care, employment, social security, etc.). Particular attention is paid to gender discrimination of Roma women in Ukrainian society as a whole and within Roma communities in particular. The Alternative report on the implementation by Ukraine of the UNO Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, prepared by Roma organizations is analyzed. The problems faced by Roma girls like obedience to parents; obligatory reproductive performance; early marriage; incomplete schooling; restrictions on freedom of movement and so on are considered. On the example of such a phenomenon as early marriage, patriarchal relations in the Roma community are shown. The heterogeneity of these communities is emphasized. The tendency to change traditions and ethical aspects of the issue of early marriage, which can be a factor of improving of Roma-phobia in Ukrainian society are analyzed. In order to change the situation it is proposed to institutionalize the practice of so-called «Roma mediators» which is successfully implemented in Ukraine already for several years.