Library/Deliverables

WP1: Project Management - Transnational Project Meetings (online&in person)

WP1: Project Management - Evaluation

Interim Evaluation report

Final Evaluation report (30/09/2026)

WP2: Breaking the circle of early marriages and early motherhood in Roma communities

ACT. 2.2: National Researches Reports and Comparative Report on early marriages and early motherhood in Roma communities in 4 countries (Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Romania)

🇬🇷 National Research Report on early marriages and early motherhood in Roma communities - GREECE (in English & Greek)

🇮🇪 National Research Report on early marriages and early motherhood in Roma communities - IRELAND (in English)  

🇵🇹 National Research Report on early marriages and early motherhood in Roma communities - PORTUGAL (in English & Portuguese)  

🇷🇴 National Research Report on early marriages and early motherhood in Roma communities - ROMANIA (in English & Romanian)  

Comparative Report on early marriages and early motherhood in Roma communities in 4 countries (Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Romania) in English, Greek, Portuguese & Romanian 

WP2, ACT. 2.2: National Researches - INFOGRAPHICS 

WP2: Breaking the circle of early marriages and early motherhood in Roma communities

ACT. 2.3: Development of Educational Material& in 4 countries (Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Romania)

Organisation Cairde produced a collective audio piece that features both Roma Influencers and staff working on Cairde's Roma Programme about national and comparative reports on early marriages and early motherhood.

WP2.4: Training of Roma Influencers

WP2.5: Transnational virtual Meeting of 20 trained Roma Influencers

WP3: Roma Influencers Network

ACT. 3.1: Launch of Roma Influencers Network/Transnational Workshop of Roma Influencers in Dublin - Ireland

WP3: Roma Influencers Network

ACT. 3.2: Awareness Raising Campaings in Roma Settlements in 4 countries

WP3: Roma Influencers Network

ACT. 3.3: 2nd Transnational Meeting of Roma Influencers 

WP3: Roma Influencers Network

National Policy Recommendations (Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Romania)

GREECE

IRELAND

ROMANIA

PORTUGAL

Transnational Policy Recommendations

WP4: Influencing new Influencers 

ACT. 4.1: Training of new Roma Influencers

Revised Educational Material

Complementary Romanian Educational Material

WP4: Influencing new Influencers

ACT. 4.2: National Workshops

National Workshop, Klimaka, Greece

NATIONAL WORKSHOP REPORT

"Breaking the Cycle of Early Marriage and Early Motherhood in Roma Communities"

Date: 19 September 2026
Venue: Technopolis City of Athens – INNOVATHENS
Organised by: KLIMAKA
Framework: Erasmus+

1. Introduction

On 19 September 2026, the National Workshop, Work Package 4, Activity 4.2, was held at Technopolis City of Athens (INNOVATHENS), as part of the European project "Breaking the Cycle of Early Marriage and Early Motherhood in Roma Communities."

The event provided an important meeting point for representatives of institutional bodies, the Greek Parliament and the European Parliament, civil society organisations and stakeholders, professionals, representatives of Roma communities, and other relevant stakeholders.

The main objective of the National Workshop was to present the results and tools developed within the framework of the project, facilitate the exchange of experiences and good practices, and strengthen dialogue between institutional stakeholders and civil society on addressing early marriage and early motherhood in Roma communities.

The event also provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of education, youth empowerment, and the active participation of communities themselves in the process of social change.

2. Opening Remarks and Welcoming Addresses

The National Workshop opened with the introductory speech and welcoming addresses by the invited representatives.

The participation of representatives of the Hellenic Parliament and the European Parliament, as well as representatives of civil society organisations, was particularly significant.

The interventions highlighted the importance of continuing efforts towards social inclusion, equal opportunities, the protection of the rights of children and young people, and the empowerment of Roma communities.

The presence of institutional representatives added significant value to the event and highlighted the importance of cooperation between institutions, organisations, and civil society.

3. Presentation of KLIMAKA

As part of the National Workshop, the role and contribution of KLIMAKA to the implementation of the project were presented.

As the Coordinating Partner in the field of Adult Education within the Erasmus+ programme, KLIMAKA has contributed to transforming information and awareness-raising into applied knowledge and practical tools that can be used by professionals, organisations, and the communities themselves.

Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of education and empowerment as tools for social change and for creating new opportunities for young people.

4. Presentation of the Day Centre for Roma

The Day Centre for Roma was subsequently presented, with emphasis on its role as a point of support, information, empowerment, and connection to services and opportunities.

The presentation highlighted the importance of accessible structures that can operate close to communities and respond to the actual needs of their members.

5. Presentation of the Roma Influencers Network Project

A significant part of the National Workshop was dedicated to the presentation of the Roma Influencers Network.

The network highlights the active role of young Roma as agents of change and as individuals who can communicate messages related to information, equality, education, and social empowerment within their own communities.

This approach shifts the focus from the passive acceptance of interventions towards the active participation of young people in shaping and disseminating messages of social change.

6. Presentation of Research Findings at National and European Level

The findings of the research conducted at national and European level were presented, focusing on the conditions and factors associated with early marriage and early motherhood in Roma communities.

The presentation of the findings provided a basis for discussion on the needs of communities and the interventions required.

At the same time, the need for policies and actions to be evidence-based, to take into account the specific circumstances of each community, and to strengthen the participation of young people themselves was highlighted.

7. Roma Influencers Training Programme

The Roma Influencers Training Programme was presented as one of the key tools developed within the project.

The training focuses on developing knowledge and skills that enable participants to act as active multipliers of messages and agents of positive change.

Through the training, young people acquire tools for communication, awareness-raising, and community mobilisation, while also strengthening their own participation in public dialogue.

8. Awareness-Raising Campaigns

The National Workshop also presented the awareness-raising campaigns developed within the framework of the project.

The campaigns aim to inform and raise public awareness about the impact of early marriage and early motherhood, while promoting positive messages regarding education, equal opportunities, and young people's right to shape their own future.

Particular value was placed on the use of contemporary communication formats and the participation of young people in the creation and dissemination of the messages.

9. Policy Recommendations

An important part of the workshop focused on the policy recommendations emerging from the project and the research process.

The recommendations focus on the need to:

• strengthen Roma young people's access to education;
• prevent and address factors associated with early marriage and early motherhood;
• empower young people, particularly girls;
• strengthen community participation in the design of interventions;
• promote cooperation between public authorities, organisations, and civil society;
• develop sustainable support and referral mechanisms; and
• make use of evidence-based data in policy design.

The presence of institutional representatives created an important space for dialogue on translating the project's conclusions into policy and practical implementation.

10. Good Practices Guide

The Good Practices Guide was also presented. It brings together approaches and practices that can be used by professionals, organisations, and stakeholders working with Roma communities.

The Guide serves as a practical tool for disseminating the knowledge acquired through the project and can contribute to the replication and adaptation of effective approaches in different local contexts.

11. Parallel Activities

Following the completion of the main programme, a series of parallel activities took place, enriching the participants' overall experience.

Guided Tour of the Photography Exhibition

Participants had the opportunity to visit the Photography Exhibition, which provided an additional visual means of presenting themes and experiences related to the project and the communities it addresses.

Screening of the Transnational Feature-Length Documentary

The transnational feature-length documentary was subsequently screened, allowing participants to explore the topic through a different, more experiential and audiovisual perspective.

Screening of Greek Short Documentaries

The programme concluded with the screening of Greek short documentaries, which contributed to highlighting different perspectives and experiences related to the subject of the project.

Buffet

The event also included a buffet, providing an informal space for networking and the exchange of views among participants.

Participant Materials

All participants received a branded fabric tote bag containing a set of project-related materials, including a notebook, pen, postcards featuring the posters of the transnational film, and a keyring.

In addition, each participant received a project folder containing printed materials presenting the policy recommendations developed within the framework of the project.

The distribution of these materials contributed to the dissemination of the project's key messages and outputs, while providing participants with practical and informative resources that could be further shared and used within their professional and community networks.

12. Participation and Networking

The participation of representatives from the Hellenic Parliament, the European Parliament, and civil society was one of the most significant elements of the event.

The presence of different categories of stakeholders created an environment for dialogue and networking, strengthening the connection between the institutional level, social organisations, and the communities themselves.

Participants acknowledged the importance of the project and expressed their support for the continuation of the effort, highlighting the need for cooperation and coordinated action.

13. Key Messages of the National Workshop

The National Workshop highlighted several key messages.

First, addressing early marriage and early motherhood requires a long-term and multi-level approach.

Second, education is a key tool for empowerment and for creating new opportunities for young people.

Third, the participation of communities themselves, and particularly young Roma, is essential for developing interventions that respond to their actual needs.

Fourth, cooperation between institutions, civil society, and organisations active in the field is a prerequisite for the sustainability of the results.

Fifth, moving from information to knowledge and from knowledge to implementation is a key element in the effort to achieve social change.

14. Conclusion

The National Workshop held on 19 September constituted an important milestone for the project "Breaking the Cycle of Early Marriage and Early Motherhood in Roma Communities."

Through the presentation of the project activities, research findings, Roma Influencers Network, training programme, awareness-raising campaigns, policy recommendations, and Good Practices Guide, the event presented an integrated approach linking research, education, awareness-raising, and the active participation of communities.

The participation of representatives of the Parliament, the European Parliament, and civil society also highlighted the importance of building a broader alliance around the objectives of the project.

The message of the event was clear: social change is no longer limited to theoretical discussion. It requires cooperation, education, participation, evidence-based action, and the creation of real opportunities for young people.

The National Workshop therefore served not only as a presentation of the project's results, but also as a step towards creating a common field of action among institutions, organisations, professionals, and communities.

Change is a collective process. The project has laid the foundations, and the next challenge is to continue and expand this effort in practice.

National Workshop, Sastipen, Romania

BRIEF IMPLEMENTATION REPORT

WP4.2 – NATIONAL WORKSHOP – ROMANIA

Project: Roma Influencers Network – Breaking the Circle of Early Marriages and Early Motherhood in Roma Communities
Project No.: 2024-1-EL01-KA220-ADU-000247507
Programme: Erasmus+ KA220-ADU – Cooperation Partnerships in Adult Education
Partner responsible: SASTIPEN – Roma Center for Health Policies, Romania
Activity: WP4.2– National Workshop
Date: 31 July 2026
Country: Romania
Duration: 09:30–17:00

1. Background and Purpose of the Workshop

The National Workshop in Romania was organised by SASTIPEN within the framework of the Erasmus+ project Roma Influencers Network – Breaking the Circle of Early Marriages and Early Motherhood in Roma Communities.

The workshop represented an important national dissemination, dialogue and knowledge-exchange activity, bringing together representatives of Roma communities, professionals, public institutions, civil society organisations, academia and other relevant stakeholders.

The activity was designed not only to present the main results achieved within the project, but also to create a participatory space in which research findings, community experiences and professional perspectives could be discussed together and translated into practical ideas for strengthening the support available to Roma girls and young women.

A central principle of the workshop was that Roma girls and women should not be approached only as beneficiaries of interventions. Their voices, experiences, aspirations and perspectives should be actively included in the development of initiatives, services and community-based responses that directly affect their lives.

The workshop therefore combined project dissemination with interdisciplinary dialogue, community participation and reflection on how different actors can work together to create real opportunities for Roma girls and young women.

2. Objectives of the National Workshop

The main objectives of the National Workshop were:

• to present the objectives, activities and main results of the Roma Influencers Network project;
• to disseminate the findings of the research conducted in Romania and at transnational level;
• to raise awareness regarding early marriages and early motherhood and their connection with education, health, social circumstances and access to opportunities;
• to present the documentary developed within the project as an awareness-raising and educational resource;
• to facilitate interdisciplinary dialogue between Roma community representatives, professionals, NGOs, academia and public institutions;
• to explore European approaches and models related to reproductive health and community-based intervention;
• to discuss the role of education, healthcare, social services, families, communities, NGOs and public authorities in supporting Roma girls and young women;
• to promote stronger cooperation between educational, social, health and community actors;
• to identify practical solutions and opportunities for future collaboration.

3. Participants

The National Workshop brought together participants from diverse professional, institutional and community backgrounds, creating an interdisciplinary environment for dialogue and exchange of experience.

Participants included representatives of Roma communities and Roma Influencers, civil society organisations, professionals working in the social and health fields, representatives of public institutions, academia and students.

Representatives from DGASPC Giurgiu, DGASPC Sector 1 and the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) participated in the workshop, alongside participants from academic environments, including students from the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy and the Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, University of Bucharest.

The diversity of participants represented an important added value of the workshop, allowing community perspectives to be connected with institutional, professional and academic experience.

4. Opening of the National Workshop

The activity started with participant registration, distribution of workshop materials, Welcome Coffee and an informal networking session.

The official opening of the workshop included a welcome address by Daniel Rădulescu, President of SASTIPEN, together with contributions from representatives of the institutions and organisations participating in the event.

The opening session introduced the context and objectives of the Roma Influencers Network project and highlighted the importance of working together with Roma communities when developing interventions addressing complex social and health-related issues.

Particular emphasis was placed on participation, dialogue and cooperation between communities, professionals and institutions.

5. Documentary Screening

A dedicated session was organised for the screening of the documentary developed within the Roma Influencers Network project.

The documentary brought the experiences and voices of Roma women directly into the workshop and provided an important starting point for the discussions that followed.

Through personal stories and lived experiences, the documentary supported a deeper understanding of the complexity surrounding early marriage and early motherhood and reinforced the importance of approaching these issues without stereotypes or generalisations.

The screening also demonstrated the potential of audiovisual materials as educational and awareness-raising tools that can reach audiences beyond the direct activities of the project.

6. Presentation of the Project and Research Results

The main activities, results and research findings of the Roma Influencers Network project were presented by Nicoleta Filip – Project Manager.

The presentation included findings from the national research carried out in Romania and placed them within the broader context of the comparative research conducted in the four participating countries: Greece, Romania, Portugal and Ireland.

The comparative research involved 184 Roma women across the four countries and provided valuable information regarding experiences related to early marriage, motherhood, education, family and community contexts and access to opportunities.

The comparative perspective also demonstrated that Roma communities across Europe should not be treated as a homogeneous group.

The discussions highlighted the importance of understanding differences between national and local contexts and considering the influence of social, economic, educational, family and community factors on women's experiences and life trajectories.

The session also emphasised the importance of moving beyond interventions focused exclusively on individual behaviour and considering the wider environment in which Roma girls and young women make decisions about their lives.

7. European Models of Intervention

A dedicated session focused on European models and approaches aimed at improving access to reproductive health services and strengthening community-based interventions.

The session encouraged participants to reflect on the relationship between healthcare, education, social support, access to information and community participation.

The discussion highlighted that complex situations such as early marriage and early motherhood cannot be effectively addressed by a single institution or professional sector.

Instead, sustainable responses require cooperation between different actors, including families, communities, schools, social services, healthcare professionals, mediators, NGOs and public authorities.

8. Interdisciplinary Dialogue and Participatory Workshop

One of the central components of the National Workshop was an interdisciplinary participatory activity based on a case study and an exchange of experience between participants.

Participants were encouraged to analyse the situation presented, identify potential barriers and needs and discuss the responsibilities and possible contributions of different professionals and institutions.

The activity created an opportunity for participants from different sectors to compare perspectives and discuss how services and community actors can collaborate more effectively.

Rather than focusing exclusively on the intervention of one professional or institution, the discussion explored how different forms of support can be connected around the needs and aspirations of Roma girls and young women.

9. Building a Support Ecosystem

A central participatory exercise developed during the workshop focused on the concept of a support ecosystem around a Roma girl or young woman.

The girl/young woman was placed at the centre of the exercise, while participants identified the different actors that could contribute to supporting her development and opportunities.

These included:

Family – Community – School – Health Services – Social Services – Health and Community Mediators – NGOs – Public Authorities

Participants reflected on the following central question:

"What should each of us do so that this girl has a real opportunity to choose her own future?"

The exercise encouraged participants to move beyond a fragmented understanding of services and consider how different actors can complement one another.

The discussion highlighted the importance of communication between services, accessible information, community participation, positive role models, education, healthcare and social support.

A key message emerging from the activity was that the existence of individual services is not sufficient if those services operate separately and are difficult for girls, women and families to navigate.

10. From Research to Practical Solutions

Another important component of the workshop focused on translating the research findings and participants' professional and community experience into practical ideas.

The discussion was structured around four interconnected areas:

Education | Health | Community | Collaboration

Participants explored existing challenges, available resources and possible actions that could contribute to creating more supportive environments for Roma girls and young women.

The discussions highlighted the importance of:

• maintaining access to education;
• improving access to health and reproductive health information and services;
• strengthening communication between professionals and institutions;
• involving Roma communities directly in the development of interventions;
• promoting positive role models within communities;
• strengthening cooperation between social, health and educational services;
• recognising the aspirations and individual circumstances of girls and young women;
• creating opportunities that allow them to make informed decisions regarding their own lives.

This part of the workshop transformed the research findings into a practical dialogue about what communities, professionals and institutions can do together.

11. Keynote Address

The workshop also included a keynote session entitled:

"Roma Communities between Tradition, Identity and Community Development"

The keynote was delivered by Dr. Mariana Sandu – PhD in Sociology and Expert in Roma Public Policies.

The presentation contributed a sociological and community-development perspective to the workshop and encouraged reflection on the relationship between Roma identity, community dynamics, social development and interventions targeting Roma communities.

The keynote complemented the research and participatory components of the workshop by placing the discussions within a broader social and community context.

12. Exchange of Good Practices and Perspectives for Collaboration

The final part of the workshop created additional space for participants to share experiences, examples of interventions and perspectives from their own professional or community contexts.

The exchange demonstrated the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and highlighted opportunities for stronger connections between civil society organisations, public institutions, academia, professionals and Roma communities.

Participants discussed the value of developing interventions together with communities rather than exclusively for communities.

The dialogue also reinforced the importance of creating sustainable partnerships that can continue beyond individual activities and projects.

13. Main Outcomes of the National Workshop

The National Workshop generated several important outcomes.

Firstly, the activity contributed to the dissemination and visibility of the Roma Influencers Network project and enabled national stakeholders to become more familiar with its activities, research findings and educational resources.

Secondly, the workshop created a direct space for dialogue between Roma community representatives, civil society organisations, professionals, public institutions and academia.

Thirdly, the participatory methodology encouraged participants to move from discussing challenges towards identifying possible solutions and responsibilities.

An important outcome of the workshop was the shared understanding that preventing early marriage and early motherhood cannot rely exclusively on information campaigns or individual interventions.

Participants highlighted the importance of creating an enabling environment in which Roma girls and young women can access:

education, healthcare, information, social support, positive role models and meaningful opportunities.

The workshop also reinforced the importance of Roma Influencers as community voices and positive role models who can contribute to awareness raising, dialogue and stronger community participation.

Finally, the workshop strengthened the perspective that sustainable responses require cooperation between communities and the educational, social and healthcare systems rather than isolated interventions.

14. Visibility and Dissemination

The National Workshop represented an important dissemination activity for the Roma Influencers Network project in Romania.

Project results and research findings were presented to relevant stakeholders, while the documentary provided an additional communication and awareness-raising tool.

The activity was documented through photographs and workshop materials, and information regarding the activity was communicated through SASTIPEN's communication and social media channels.

The documentary and other materials developed within the project can continue to be used after the workshop as resources for awareness raising, education and dialogue with communities and professionals.

The workshop therefore contributed both to the immediate dissemination of project results and to their potential use beyond the event itself.

15. Conclusions

The Romanian National Workshop demonstrated the value of bringing together research, community voices, professional expertise and interdisciplinary dialogue within the same activity.

The discussions reinforced an important principle of the Roma Influencers Network project: Roma girls and women should not only be beneficiaries of interventions but should have an active voice in decisions and initiatives affecting their lives.

The workshop also highlighted that creating real opportunities requires more than the existence of individual services.

It requires a connected support ecosystem in which families, communities, educational institutions, healthcare services, social services, mediators, NGOs and public authorities work together around the needs, rights and aspirations of Roma girls and young women.

Through the presentation of project results, documentary screening, interdisciplinary dialogue and participatory activities, the National Workshop contributed to strengthening awareness, knowledge exchange and potential collaboration between relevant stakeholders in Romania.

The activity also supported the broader objective of the Roma Influencers Network: strengthening the role and voices of Roma women and community actors and creating the conditions for more sustainable community-based responses.

National Workshop, Cairde, Ireland

WP4, Act 4.2 National Workshop 18thSeptember 2026

Dublin, Ireland – Buswell's Hotel, 23-27 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

Cairde conducted the WP4, Act 4.2 National Workshop on 18thSeptember 2026 in Buswell's Hotel, Dublin 2.

The workshop began with registration and signing the attendance sheet.

The group were introduced to the Roma Influencers Network Erasmus+ project. Cairde

presented the National and Comparative Reports on Early Marriage an Early

Motherhood.

The Roma Influencers described and introduced the transnational documentary film

which brings together experiences of Roma from Ireland, Greece, Portugal and

Romania, before it was screened.

About 40 professionals attended the workshop, and the attendees were split into 4

focus groups to discuss the topic or early marriage and early motherhood.

Attendees mentioned that the reports and the documentary showed the effects of early

marriage and motherhood in real life situations and were very informative and

educational. Discussions about further collaborations were initiated and the reports

and documentary were described as a very useful tool to familiarise people with issues

faced by the Roma communities in the four countries.

Discussions revolved around what could be done to help prevent early marriage and

early motherhood. The feedback included the following suggestions:

• Information about dangers of early marriage and early motherhood should be

provided in schools, including the wider community and not just Roma.

• Comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education and available services

should be provided and should involve medical experts.

• Use educational documentaries to raise awareness of the educational, health,

and socio-economic consequences of early marriage and early motherhood.

• Provide mentorship to support alternative life pathways and future opportunities.

• Circulate the Roma Influencers Network's transnational documentary film very

widely to make an impact.

• Roma men should be encouraged to oppose the practice.

• Prioritise education before marriage.

• Parents should be informed about the importance of education and the adverse

effects of early marriage and early motherhood.

• Financial incentive should be included to encourage Roma to remain in school.

• Provide free and flexible childcare.

• Increase community development work with members of the Roma community.

• Provide capacity building training courses.

• Policymakers should develop and implement effective policies to support Roma

girls in completing their education.

• Safe and accessible spaces should be made available where Roma girls can

seek support, guidance, and information.

• Improve access to education, health. Improve social and economic prospects in

a culturally sensitive way. Apply social determinates of health to the community.

• Mentoring, leadership programmes, vocational training, skills development and

safe spaces for the Roma girls to build confidence and plan for their future.

• Women and girls should be supported to collectively advocate against early

marriage and early motherhood. Communities should work to reduce peer and

social pressure that encourages these practices.

• Children learn behaviours predominantly from their parents. Addressing

transgenerational trauma is essential to breaking intergenerational patterns.

The day ended with closing remarks and thanking the attendees for their participation.

National Workshop, CooperActiva, Portugal

ACT. 4.3: Good Practices Guides (National)

GREECE

IRELAND

PORTUGAL

ROMANIA

ACT. 4.3: Good Practices Guides (Transnational)

WP5: Roma Influencers Festivals

ACT. 5.1: Documentary short films & Photos

ROMANIA: Short Docu Films

GREECE: Posters 

GREECE: Trailers 

GREECE: Short Docu Films

IRELAND: Short Docu Films

PORTUGAL: Short Docu Films

ACT. 5.1: Documentary short films & Photos

Photos

Ireland Photos

Portugal Photos

Romania Photos

Greece Photos

ACT. 5.1: Transnational Documentary Film - Trailers

ACT. 5.1: Transnational Documentary Film

WP5: Roma Influencers Festivals

ACT. 5.2: Roma Influencers Festival in Dublin - Ireland

ACT. 5.2: Roma Influencers Festival in Lisbon- Portugal

ACT. 5.2: Roma Influencers Festival in Athens- Greece