A Dialogue with Grassroots Romani Women Leaders in Spain About Their Views on Roma Feminism

Abstract

Scientific debates surrounding feminism in the 21st century increasingly call for mainstream feminism to include the voices of non-white women, as well as looking also at the work and expressions of feminism taking place in the Global South. While progress has been made in the United States in acknowledging the work and demands of non-white feminism, Europe lags behind in recognizing and amplifying the feminist contributions and demands of its largest non-migrant ethnic minority, the Roma. This article presents findings from qualitative fieldwork conducted with 23 Romani women and young adults organized in civic organizations across Spain, exploring how they understand and experience feminism. Despite working towards gender equality among Romani men and women, as well as equality between Romani and nonRomani women, many do not identify with dominant representations of feminism. Our results highlight three key elements of what these women would claim as Romani feminism: the role of men as allies, claiming freedom as women as a central aspect of Roma cultural identity, and advocating for a feminism that promotes and safeguards the idea of equality of differences.