Zuralipe, Roma Women Association of Dendropotamos
This is an article presenting the project prepared by the Roma Women Association of Dendropotamos, Greece given the subgrants under the ERGO sub-granting scheme 2024, funded by the EU
Improving Healthcare Access for Roma Communities.
There has been an urgent need to focus on improving Roma access to healthcare and raising awareness of the environmental justice’s health impacts in Greece. The project ZURALIPE, conducted by our member Roma Women Association of Dendropotamos, included workshops for Roma communities and health professionals, preventive health checks for Roma women, and discussions on combating stereotypes. Through a series of workshops, awareness events, and strategic planning sessions, the project has helped address key health challenges faced by the Roma population.
Key Achievements and Advocacy for Better Healthcare
As part of the Zuralipe project, the organisation implemented two environmental health workshops aimed at educating Roma communities. Additionally, participation in an external meeting ensured that Roma health concerns were represented in broader public health discussions. To further increase awareness, three dedicated events were organised, focusing on environmental justice and its effects on health.
The women who took part expressed the need for a paediatrician and gynaecologist within the community. They highlighted the difficulty of scheduling appointments for their children’s vaccinations and shared that they often prefer visiting private healthcare institutions, as they do not feel safe in public facilities and many more.
Collaboration and Support for Roma Women’s Health
Collaboration was an important aspect of the project, with planning sessions helping to refine strategies and strengthen partnerships for future health interventions. A significant aspect of the initiative was supporting Roma women in accessing preventive health screenings, with women receiving assistance in scheduling and completing necessary medical check-ups.
The Roma Women Association of Dendropotamos successfully engaged key policymakers and healthcare authorities throughout the project. Discussions were held with the Deputy Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, the Deputy Commander of the 3rd Directorate of the Ministry of Health, and the heads of health centres in Evosmos, Katerini, Ampelokipoi, and General Hospital G. Gennimatas. These meetings were crucial in advocating for better healthcare access and addressing the specific needs of Roma communities.
Memorandum of Cooperation and Future Plans
A key achievement of the Zuralipe project was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation with the 3rd Health Directorate of Macedonia, establishing a foundation for continued collaboration on Roma health initiatives. In addition, a joint action plan was developed to raise awareness among health professionals, working to combat stereotypes and improve the treatment of Roma patients. Another important milestone was the meeting with Ministry of Health officials to advocate for the appointment of Roma health mediators in health centres, ensuring better communication and accessibility for Roma patients.
The Roma Women Association of Dendropotamos ensured that they will continue building on the results of the Zuralipe project. They witnessed that Roma women from the region are now united, and they have built trust in the initiative. The organisation will also continue advocating for the placement of Roma health mediators in health centres, working towards better healthcare access and cultural understanding.
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