Join REYN and ERGO Online event: Human Library

Online event: Dream to grow: How to make Europe's Labor markets a place for all

Co-hosted by: Romani Early Years Network (REYN) and ERGO Network

When: 7 October 2020, 14:00 - 16:00

The program of the event and more information can be found here. Register to join the event here.

Although almost ten years have passed since the adoption of the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies, Roma remain widely exposed to antigypsyism, poverty and social exclusion without opportunities to access proper education, employment, or training. They keep facing unequal treatment and inequalities in health, education, employment, and living conditions, a gap which has continued to widen following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

63% of Roma aged 16-24 are not employed, in education or training and 40% of Roma report feeling discriminated at work. Even if they manage to secure employment, they often continue to face lower wages, precarious and atypical contracts, a lack of career options, and direct discrimination and harassment of employers and colleagues.
 
Eliminating such inequalities and promoting positive models of inclusion and diversity starting from the very beginning of life must be a priority for EU and national policy makers, but also for every person in Europe. Diversity does not only benefit minorities, but also impacts greatly on the quality of services offered and on society.
 
Acknowledging that it is fundamental to rewrite the current narrative about Roma and restore their dignity and pride, this event aspires to share inspiring stories highlighting Roma professionals’ different pathways to become who they are today and showing the difference that enabling, inclusive and diverse educational and working environments can make for society.

Why should you join this event:

- Get inspired by real-life stories of Roma professionals who have succeeded to break the wall of prejudices and stereotypes and realized their dreams by participating in the online Human Library.

- Learn about the advocacy efforts civil society organizations are doing to ensure equity, inclusion and diversity in education and at work.

- Reflect together about the multilayered challenges and unequal treatment young Roma are facing in Europe and the long-term consequences of political inaction.

- Benefit from lessons learned in implementing inclusive policies and practices and discover how to become part of the solution.

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This event is co-funded by the Open Society Foundations Early Childhood Program. The program has been providing continuous support to the Romani Early Years Network initiative since its start.
This event has received funding from the European Union. The information contained reflects only the author’s view; and the Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.