ROMA WOMEN IN B&H LABOUR MARKET: ACCESSING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
ROMA WOMEN IN B&H LABOUR MARKET: ACCESSING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Summary/Abstract: Since the 1992–1995 war ended, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has been going through a troublesome process of transition, characterised by dependence on humanitarian aid, and by difficulties in reaching or keeping employment, which often affected women even more than men in all categories of the population. When it comes to supporting employment, no special reasons have been identified to conduct projects focused on gender equality. Labour market does not appear to provide equal access to men and women, regardless of the law, and Roma women have even more limited right of entry, putting them in the least favourable position in the Bosnian-Herzegovinian society. The purpose of this article is to map the scope of these challenges. Furthermore, many Roma women not only face the challenges of discrimination in majority society but also experience gender-based discrimination internally in their own communities because of strict patriarchal traditions that place them in constrained positions (Ravnbol, 2010, p.3). However, their voices are being more heard in the civil sector, demanding place in the public arena and in particular, equal treatment in the labour market. Still, for the wind of change to blow, more effort on several sides (Roma women, Roma community, and the society as a whole) is needed.

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