Voices of Change: Stories from Our Study Session
This summer, young Roma and pro-Roma activists came together for our study session “Youth Ambassadors of the Decade Against Antigypsyism – From Passion to Action. And now we’re proud to share 4 powerful reflections written by our participants.
In “From Shame to Pride,” Sefer Shaqir from North Macedonia shares his journey from hiding his Roma identity as a child to embracing it with pride as a youth activist.
In “Passing – A Roma Girl Living on the Borders of Belonging,” Nestian Bianca Florina writes about reclaiming Roma identity after years of silence.
In “Solidarity in Struggle,” Chelsea Mac Donnchadha, an Irish Traveller activist, calls for stronger unity between Travellers and Roma in the shared fight against antigypsyism.
And finally, in “Don’t Be Afraid to Say Who You Are,” Lenutsa Moldavchuk from Ukraine tells how allyship, friendship, and learning about Roma history transformed her understanding of equality and justice.
These stories remind us that Roma youth are leading the way and their truthful healing histories shape our future.