Romani Queer Women and Intersectional Policy Gaps
Date and time: 11:45 – 13:20, Tuesday, 21 April 2026
Venue: European Parliament
IMPORTANT:
Those who registered and need to pick up their entry badge (sticker), please arrive at Station Europe by 11:15 and proceed inside with your ID to collect your badge for the day. Please look for the Roma Week sign for assistance. Organisers and EP assistants will facilitate your entry to the event.
If you have already registered for the morning MFF event, you do not need to register again—please proceed directly to the event venue. Further information will be provided by the organisers on site.
Organisers: Romnja Feminist Library, Feminist Collective of Romani Gender Experts, Inspire Up, Institute for Queer, Trans & Intersex Autonomy (IQTIA)
Partners: Equinox for Racial Justice, European Roma Grassroots Organisation, EuroCentralLesbian Community (EL*C), European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC), Roma Traveller Division, Council of Europe
Description:
This session creates a space for Romani queer women to speak directly about the intersecting forms of discrimination they experience at the crossroads of racism, sexism, class inequality, and queerphobia. Despite EU commitments to equality and non-discrimination, the lived realities of Romani queer women remain largely invisible across policy frameworks such as Roma inclusion, gender equality, and LGBTIQ+ rights.
The event will feature short testimonies from Romani queer women reflecting diverse identities and experiences, alongside the presentation of key findings and recommendations from a new policy brief developed by the Romnja Feminist Library in collaboration with partners. Topics may include structural discrimination, migration and asylum, and other areas where intersectional policy gaps persist.
The session aims to foster direct dialogue between Romani queer activists, EU policymakers, and civil society representatives, encouraging more inclusive and intersectional approaches to policymaking. The event will conclude with an open exchange and Q&A with participants.
Accreditation and Access to the European Parliament for Roma Week Events
For those who registered or requested an entry badge, please note that accreditation is granted via an automated self-service machine (similar to airport customs machines), located in Station Europe (see photo below), in front of the Altiero Spinelli Building (entrance from Place Luxembourg).
You may collect your access badge only on the day of your event from the self-service machine in Station Europe. Please follow the specific event guidelines to ensure that a Parliament assistant, accompanied by ERGO staff holding a Roma Week poster pick-you up before the designated time set by the event organizers, allowing for a smooth and timely entry into the European Parliament.
For those requiring assistance with the self-service machine, ERGO colleagues will be at Station Europe approximately one hour before the event start time (holding a Roma Week poster) to help with the process.
Regular Entry to the European Parliament
If you already possess a valid access badge, please proceed directly to the event location and arrive at least 10 minutes early to ensure a timely start.
The participation in this event is by invitation only
To celebrate International Roma Day (8 April), the Council of Europe organises Opre Roma! month from 1 to 30 April 2025, to raise awareness and highlight the challenges faced by Roma and Travellers in Europe. Events paying tribute to the contribution of the Roma language, culture and history to Europe`s heritage and cultural wealth take place in Council of Europe member States and in Strasbourg, under the aegis of the Committee of Experts on Roma and Traveller Issues (ADI-ROM).