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The project was supported by Roma Initiatives, OSFBudapest
What we want to share is that:
Giving Roma girls a place or platform where they can speak up helps a lot in the process of empowerment and awareness creation.
Statistical data shows that the rate of infant mortality (at 13.9%) is higher among Roma than any other ethnic group in Macedonia. Roma girls also face increased risks of complications during pregnancy and delivery.
The Macedonian authorities regard child marriage as part of Roma life and tradition, regardless of the fact that it exploits these children’s rights. They ignore the phenomena because of the stereotypes widely held by mainstream Macedonian society about the Roma people.
The Highest rate of early marriages can be found in the poorest Roma communities, this number increases during summer time for 50%. Officially they are only 4 registered early marriages, because Roma people do not marry their children at a town hall. Most of the weddings are not official.
From the beginning of the project December 2010 till the end of October 2011, RROMA registered 11 marriages in the region. The girls were under the age of 18.
Roma women empowerment can not be achieved with one campaign. It is a process that needs to be repeated on a longterm basis.
Contact: RROMA Toso Kukovski bb 1360 Kratovo Phone/fax:+38931481189 E-mail:romassn@ymail.com http://romassn.blogspot.com