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Connecting Roma Communities in COVID-19 Times: The First Roma Women Students’ Gathering Held Online

Author

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  • Emilia Aiello

    (Department of Sociology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Andrea Khalfaoui

    (Faculty of Education and Sport, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain)

  • Xavier Torrens

    (Department of Political Science, Constitutional Law and Law Philosophy, University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Ramón Flecha

    (Department of Sociology, University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain)

Abstract

COVID-19 has exacerbated the vulnerability of the Roma communities in Europe. However, these communities have a strong sense of resilience, and the role of Roma women must be highlighted since they have historically nurtured solidarity networks even in the most challenging situations. Aim: A particular action organized by a Roma Association of Women is analyzed: the Roma Women Students’ Gathering (RWSG, or gathering). In its 19th edition, this democratic space aimed at tackling the challenges the pandemic has raised and its impact on the Roma communities. Method: The 19th RWSG, which was the first one held online, was inductively analyzed to gain a deeper understanding of the key aspects that the Roma women highlight when they organize themselves. Results: RWSG generates optimal conditions where Roma women identify the challenges affecting their community and, drawing on the dialogues shared, agree on strategies to contest them. RWSG also enhanced solidarity interactions that enabled the conquering of the virtual space, transforming it into an additional space where the Roma could help each other and thus better navigate the uncertainties unleashed by COVID-19. Key features of the Roma culture emerged in these spaces of solidarity, such as protecting the elderly and prioritizing community wellbeing rather than only the individual’s preferences. Conclusions: Roma women play a key role in weaving an organized response to the uncertainty derived from COVID-19, and connecting them to the public sphere, potentially achieving social and political impacts.

Suggested Citation

  • Emilia Aiello & Andrea Khalfaoui & Xavier Torrens & Ramón Flecha, 2022. "Connecting Roma Communities in COVID-19 Times: The First Roma Women Students’ Gathering Held Online," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-13, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:9:p:5524-:d:807429
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Benjamin Cook & Geoffrey Wayne & Anne Valentine & Anna Lessios & Ethan Yeh, 2013. "Revisiting the evidence on health and health care disparities among the Roma: a systematic review 2003–2012," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 58(6), pages 885-911, December.
    2. Eun Jung Bae & Ju Young Yoon, 2021. "Health Literacy as a Major Contributor to Health-Promoting Behaviors among Korean Teachers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-16, March.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Ane López de Aguileta, 2024. "Contributions from Research with (and Not without) Roma Women to Social Work during the COVID-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-11, January.
    3. Almudena Macías León & Natalia Del Pino-Brunet, 2023. "The Vulnerability of European Roma to the Socioeconomic Crisis Triggered by the COVID-19 Pandemic," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-12, May.
    4. Lidia Puigvert & Marta Soler-Gallart & Ana Vidu, 2022. "From Bystanders to Upstanders: Supporters and Key Informants for Victims of Gender Violence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-14, July.
    5. Laura Ruiz-Eugenio & Ariadna Munte-Pascual & Andrea Khalfaoui & Olga Serradell, 2023. "Dialogic scientific gatherings with mothers and teachers from a primary school: raising awareness about the impact of gender and education research," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-11, December.

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