Roma Influencers Network

27/05/2026

Policy Recommendations on Early Marriages and Early Motherhood in Roma Communities 🌍👩‍👧‍👧

A synthesis was prepared within the framework of the Erasmus+ project “Roma Influencers – Breaking the Circle of Early Marriages and Early Motherhood in Roma Communities”, funded by the European Union 🇪🇺. It draws on the national policy recommendation reports produced by the project partners in Greece 🇬🇷, Ireland 🇮🇪, Romania 🇷🇴 and Portugal 🇵🇹, following the methodological orientations established for National Policy Recommendations (https://www.romainfluencersnetwork.eu/library-deliverables/ under Work Package 3, Activity 3.4).

The document (https://www.romainfluencersnetwork.eu/library-deliverables/ under Work Package 3, Activity 3.4 Transnational Policy Recommendations) identifies the main common findings, structural challenges and policy priorities emerging across the four national contexts, while also highlighting country-specific approaches and recommendations. It adopts a rights-based ⚖️, intersectional 🌐 and community-centred 🤝 perspective, aligned with European frameworks on Roma inclusion, children’s rights 👶, gender equality ♀️ and anti-discrimination 🚫.

The comparative analysis of the national reports from Greece, Ireland, Romania and Portugal demonstrates that early marriage and early motherhood in Roma communities are multidimensional social phenomena rooted in structural inequalities and social exclusion 📉.

Although legal frameworks on child marriage exist in all four countries ⚖️, legislation alone is insufficient to address the problem. Sustainable prevention requires integrated, rights-based and participatory approaches 🤝 capable of addressing the broader social determinants affecting Roma girls and young women.

A particularly important shared message is the need to avoid stigmatizing or culturally reductive interpretations 🚫. Early marriage and early motherhood must be understood within the broader context of poverty 💔, exclusion, discrimination and limited opportunities, also taking into account the role of perinatal and epigenetic factors 🧬, as living conditions before, during and after pregnancy—such as poverty, chronic stress, limited access to care 🏥, education 📚 and social support 🤍—not only affect the current health of both mother and child 👩‍👧, but also influence future developmental opportunities 🌱.

The reports also highlight the importance of directly involving Roma communities in the design and implementation of solutions 🤝. Roma women’s lived experiences, leadership 👩‍💼 and participation are central to developing effective and sustainable interventions.

Finally, the synthesis emphasizes that meaningful progress requires long-term political commitment 🏛️, sustained public investment 💰, and strong cooperation between governments, public services, civil society organizations and Roma communities themselves. Only through coordinated and inclusive approaches can cycles of exclusion be broken and opportunities expanded for Roma girls and young women across Europe 🌍✨. https://www.romainfluencersnetwork.eu/library-deliverables/

30/04/2026

🎉 The 10th Transnational Project Meeting of Erasmus + project "Roma Influencers Network" coordinated by KLIMAKA was successfully held, marking another important milestone in the implementation of the project. 📅.
The discussions highlighted the particularly significant impact of the project, as its outcomes continue to strengthen transnational cooperation, promote the exchange of good practices, and create meaningful added value for the wider community in the context of early marriages and early motherhood. 🌍
A particularly exciting development is that the feature-length Transnational Documentary will soon be available. 🎬This key project output is expected to play a crucial role in raising awareness, shedding light on the challenges surrounding early marriages and early motherhood, and fostering wider public dialogue and understanding on these critical issues.
At the same time, the project’s policy recommendations will soon be finalized and disseminated to relevant decision-makers and stakeholders. 📝 This represents a particularly important step, as these recommendations aim to contribute to evidence-based policymaking and support the development of more effective strategies and interventions to address early marriages and early motherhood at both national and European levels.
In addition, the expansion of the project network through the inclusion of 40 new Roma influencers is a highly significant venture 🤝. This development further strengthens community participation and ensures a more inclusive, grassroots-driven approach, guaranteeing that the voices, experiences, and perspectives of the Roma community remain at the heart of the project’s implementation and impact.
The steady progress achieved so far reflects the consortium’s strong commitment and collaborative spirit ✨, ensuring the successful implementation of the project’s objectives in full alignment with the values and priorities of the Erasmus+ programme.

28/04/2026

We are excited to share that our Roma Influencers Transnational Meeting (WP3.3) has been successfully completed! 🌍✨
Klimaka gathered together more than 20 Roma Influencers that came together with a shared goal: to exchange experiences, highlight good practices, and co-create meaningful recommendations for awareness-raising campaigns (WP3.2) developed through our project.
20 Roma influencers from Greece, Ireland, Portugal, and Romania — who showed true commitment, passion, and powerful influence within their communities. 💪❤️
Our network is growing stronger every day, united by a common purpose: to contribute to addressing early marriages and early motherhood. 🤝🌱
What makes this even more impactful is that the ideas and voices shared will not stay within the room. They will be carried forward to local and regional authorities, as well as policymakers, directly contributing to shaping our policy recommendations. 🏛️📢
Because most importantly — our voices deserve to be heard by those who make the decisions.
A huge THANK YOU to everyone for your active participation and for sharing such meaningful experiences and good practices. 🙏 Every story, every campaign, every voice truly matters.
What we created together is more than just a discussion — it is a collective effort to challenge harmful norms, raise awareness, and spark real change around early marriages and early motherhood. 🔥
Together, we are not just raising awareness — we are shaping a better future. 💫

03/04/2026

24/03/2026

🎬 A Documentary Series on Early Marriages and Early Motherhood in Roma Communities
Across parts of Europe, early marriage and early motherhood remain persistent challenges within Roma communities. These practices are shaped by a complex mix of historical marginalization, poverty, limited access to education, gender inequality, and social norms.
🎥 About the Documentary
This documentary Series integrated in Erasmus + project, funded by the European Union, coordinated by KLIMAKA takes an analytical and human-centered approach. It explores:
• The lived experiences of young Roma girls and women
• The role of families, community leaders, and institutions
✨ Breaking the Cycle of Early Marriages and Early Motherhood in Roma Communities
Sustainable change requires:
• 📚 Equal access to quality education
• 🤝 Community-based dialogue and empowerment
• 💼 Pathways to employment and vocational training
• ⚖️ Stronger policy implementation protecting women & children’s rights
🌍 Our Goal
To move beyond stereotypes and spark informed conversation. To support girls in stepping into education, work, independence, and freedom.
Because every girl deserves the chance to choose her future. 💛

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