Minority within the minority: roma women trapped by origin and gender

It is still very difficult to analyse the role of Roma women within the family, which is influenced by numerous factors. This minority forms a heterogeneous group. Romungro, Vlach and Boyash have female roles with complex cultural systems, and each group has a distinct group identity that has been held together for centuries, binding the group together. Place of residence, education and labour market position also influence women's roles. As a consequence, a colourful picture emerges when we examine the role of Roma women. We can observe the traditional role of women, who, giving birth at a young age, have many children to raise. This traditional role is still present where residents live in an environment without perspective. Young Roma women who have fewer opportunities to work because of their home environment, start families at an earlier age: the old custom re-emerges. Preferring to become more educated, more and more women are breaking with the tradition of sacrificing their lives entirely for the family. Gender roles in the household are becoming less and less distinct as women work and husbands do their share of household chores. Despite the division of labour, women feel that their burdens have not diminished, and men with stronger traditional roots can experience this kind of change as a loss. Having more education contributes greatly to this change in roles, as the driving force of the community is no longer dominant, but rather individual goals. This provides an opportunity for self-realization and independent living. The aim of this publication is to present the changes in the social roles of Roma women over time, from those required by the traditional family model to more modern (contemporary) female roles.