CIN-CG Conference "The Position of Girls and Women in the Roma and Egyptian Communities": The Root of the Problem is Lack of Education

Increasing the number of mediators, raising the legal marriage age to 18, and building shelters for victims of arranged marriages and gender-based violence—these are some of the key recommendations that emerged from the conference "The Position of Girls and Women in the Roma and Egyptian Communities," organized by the Center for Investigative Journalism of Montenegro (CIN-CG).

Milka Tadić Mijović, the Executive Director of CIN-CG, emphasized that various research studies, the screening of the film Unprotected, and the shocking testimonies presented at the conference, all reveal a harsh truth: there is still a lack of basic solidarity with the most vulnerable members of society. "They are left to fend for themselves, trapped by prejudice, poverty, and violence," she said.

Tadić Mijović explained that the goal of the project was to strengthen the social and educational rights of the Roma and Egyptian communities, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable groups—such as girls and women, drug users, the elderly, and people with diverse sexual orientations.

Oana Kristina Popa, Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro, noted that the title of the CIN-CG documentary film accurately reflects the severe vulnerability of women in these communities across all areas of life. She also pointed out that this population faces similar discrimination in other European countries.

The film Unprotected, created by CIN-CG journalists Đurđa Radulović and Andrea Perišić, focuses on women's sexual and reproductive health. It highlights alarming statistics: 87% of women from these communities do not use contraception, many are denied healthcare due to lack of documentation, and early pregnancies, frequent miscarriages, and abortions, along with overall difficult life conditions, lead to a significantly shorter life expectancy.

"Unfortunately, our system lacks answers to these issues," Radulović pointed out. "On the ground, we've encountered children who cannot even write their name or do basic math."

Panelists at the conference agreed that all of these issues stem from a lack of education.

Ivana Vojvodić, Executive Director of the NGO Juventas, noted that while Montenegro has sound strategic plans in place, the real challenge lies in allocating sufficient funds for their implementation. "Parents often prevent their children from attending school, and more focus should be placed on ensuring they attend kindergarten," she said.

Fana Delija, Director of the Center for Roma Initiatives (CRI), expressed concern over the ongoing practices of child marriages, domestic violence, begging, and human trafficking within the community.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare shared that the government plans to establish a state shelter for victims of human trafficking. Additionally, the ministry will organize educational workshops aimed at addressing one of the most significant issues facing the Roma and Egyptian communities: the lack or interruption of education.

The conference, held at the "European House," marked the end of a two-year project titled "Roma and Egyptian Communities: Health, Education, Employment, and Social Rights," implemented by CIN-CG in partnership with CRI. The project was supported by the EU Delegation in Montenegro and the Ministry of Public Administration, Digital Society, and Media.

In addition to the film and various research reports, CIN-CG conducted a public opinion survey as part of the project, the findings of which were published in a bilingual publication in both Montenegrin and English.

"We Should Not Pity Them, But Respect Them"

Srđan Pavićević, Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro, stressed that the Roma and Egyptian communities do not seek pity, but rather respect.

He also pointed out that 90% of individuals from these communities do not complete school, which often leads to early marriages, begging, prostitution, and other forms of exploitation.

"Their marginalization is our responsibility, and I take full accountability for it," said Pavićević.