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"Sewing-classes"
This program was designed to teach Roma women skills which would enable them to find better paying jobs in the future.
The program, which ended in September 2000, was funded with support from the Mama Chash Foundation (the Netherlands), World Bank - Romania, and the Open Society Foundation.
Health
The brochure "Information about Birth Control and Family Planning" was distributed in July 1998 in two Roma Caldarari communities outside Bucharest: in the village of Voluntari (70 families; 50 women ages 1-70) and in the village of Sintesti (150 families; 70 women ages 1-80).
The program provided information and counseling about various modern methods of contraception (the pill, foam, diaphragms, Depo Provera), as well as a presentation on the advantages and disadvantages of each method, as tailored to each individual woman's needs. Dr. Daniela Iancu from the Gheorghe Lupu Gospital in Bucharest provided the presentations.
The Caldarari Romas are a very traditional and closed community; their members still speak the Romanes language and dress in traditional Gypsy clothing. RWAR is the only organization who has implemented successful programs in the community, where outsiders are not generally welcome.
Family planning methods were unknown before this program was started. The Romas themselves have asked us to offer health care services free of charge, because they are too poor, mostly unemployed and, therefore, lack the resources for services at state owned medical facilities.
"Women's Newsletter"
RWAR published the first issue of its newsletter in October 1998.
Through this newsletter, we wish to raise awareness and support among national and international institutions and organizations for the programs and activities benefitting the Roma women, children and communities in Romania.
The "Women's Newsletter" was published for 12 issues, through February 2000.
"Health program"
RWAR was successful in offering free medical services to poor Roma women at the health center in the village of Voluntari. Located within the existing government owned medical facility, the medical center also offered information and counseling about family planning and contraceptives.
Funding for the clinic services was provided through a grant from the Soros Foundation, which ended in August 2001.
The Health Department of the Romanian Government was unable to take over the services when the grant funding ended.
"Community Resource Center"
The Community Resource Center was funded with a grant from the Global Women's Foundation of San Francisco, USA.
The center, located in the village of Voluntari, provides the Roma communities with information about medical assistance, family planning and HIV/AIDS. We arrange for medical consultations and treatment and provide free social assistance activities, such as help in obtaining identification papers and birth certificates. We also provide educational activities for women and young girls, such as classes on "How to Get a Job".
The Resource Center is staffed with salaried law and social work students from the Roma community.
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