The EU National Roma Inclusion Strategy: A Window of Opportunity for Romani Women in Italy?

Abstract

Policies are essential to improving the political engagement of marginalised communities, particularly minority women. This article examines the EU Roma strategy framework for equality, inclusion, and participation in Italy, focusing on its impact on Romani women and their perspectives. This article draws on legal documents, reports, declarations from Romani associations, and ten interviews with experts and politically engaged Romani women. The study employs political opportunity theory and political intersectionality to examine the extent to which the EU National Roma Inclusion Strategy serves as a “window of opportunity” for Romani women in Italy. First, the paper examines the newly-implemented EU Roma strategic framework for equality, inclusion, and participation 2021–2030, focusing on the extent to which Romani women are considered. Second, the research examines the current political opportunities available to Romani women and explores the perceptions of these chances among politically-engaged Romani women. The findings indicate that although the National Roma Inclusion Strategy acknowledges the presence of Romani women, the availability of political opportunities for them remains scarce. Consequently, Romani women regard the opportunities the National Roma Inclusion Strategy provides as inadequate.