The entities of the National Federation of Roma Women Kamira, express support -as we have already done in the public statement issued by the Roma Council- for the creation, implementation and promotion of the European Roma Institute (ERI).
We consider essential to create an independent entity, based on the European legal framework, to contribute to the enhancement of the rights of Roma people in Europe. The aim of this entity should be to actively support the dissemination of Roma culture so that it gains the place that historically deserves but has been denied until now.
Without losing our essence, Roma women have played a key role for the transmission of our culture, as well as in its process of adaptation to changing times. Therefore, we firmly believe that any issue addressed in relation to Roma, their culture, their customs, their art or modes of expression, should be promoted in different ways and must necessarily be viewed from a gender perspective. Thus, ERI should recognize the important position that Roma women play in the conservation, development of Roma culture and promotion of Roma in general.
It follows that Roma women must be taken into account, in the configuration of the management bodies and the exercise of leadership of ERI, so that it allows us to be active protagonists of our history and evolution. It should also not lose sight of acting to address the double discrimination suffered by Roma women, as women and as Roma. It is therefore essential that any action by the ERI or any other important organisations keep in mind the gender perspective and the opinion of Roma women.
In Kamira we believe that the contributions made by Roma women either as activists, intellectuals, professionals or simply as Roma who live their culture and reality, will be essential in the work to be performed by ERI.
It should be remembered that women have been and are fundamental to the changes that are occurring in our community. We need to continue to have the support of all institutions, which like ERI will be involved in the struggle for the rights of Roma in Europe. Therefore, we congratulate the Council of Europe, the Open Society and all organizations and individuals who are supporting this project.
Kamira sees the creation of ERI as an important opportunity to promote the active participation of Roma women in relevant policy areas. We also consider that this institute will play an important role for the entire Roma and non-Roma population, since knowledge and appreciation of Roma culture should be an objective of all European citizens, since it enriches us all.
NGOs federated to KAMIRA:
Asociación Mujeres Gitanas Panyabi
Asociación de Mujeres Gitanas Akherdi-Tromipen
Asociación Mujeres Gitanas de Granada Romí
Asociación de Mujeres Gitanas Sinando Kalí
Asociación de Mujeres Payas y Gitanas de Palencia Romí
Asociación Mujeres Gitanas Españolas Romi Serseni
Asociación Mujeres Gitanas Romís Calís Kamelan Nakerar
Asociación Mujeres Gitanas Sakais Kalis
Asociación de Mujeres Gitanas Alboreá
Asociación de Mujeres Gitanas de Madrid Alboreá
Asociación Gitana de Fuenlabrada Clan Caló
Asociación Plataforma Joven de Huesca
Asociación de Mujeres Gitanas de Alagón Romí Chachipen
Asociación de Mujeres Gitanas Kimera de Tauste
Asociación de Mujeres de Épila
Asociación de Mujeres Gitanas Universitarias de Andalucía AMURADI
Asociación de Mujeres Gitanas Upre Romja
Asociación de Mujeres Gitanas de Aragón Romí Calí
Asociación de Mujeres Gitanas del País Vasco Chanelamos Adikerar
Asociación Gitana Sonakay de Casetas
Asociación de Mujeres Gitanas Yerbabuena Linares
Asociación de Mujeres Gitanas Progresistas de Cantabria
Jóvenes Gitanas de Aragón
Asociación de Mujeres Paraj
