The Roma Access Programs unit and the School of Public Policy cordially invite you to the public lecture
The Roma Inclusion Index: Measuring Progress in the Decade of Roma Inclusion
by
Aleksandra Bojadjieva
Policy and Research Officer at the Decade of Roma Inclusion Secretariat Foundation
Data collected by the Roma Decade Secretariat for the Roma Inclusion Index suggest that over the past decade, modest progress has been made in closing the gap between Roma and the majority population.
Summarizing data across the Decade region for education indicates a possible overall improvement of the situation of Roma in preschool, primary and secondary education, and in regard to literacy. Gaps with the total population have been reduced but are far from being eliminated. Overrepresentation of Roma in special schools has possibly worsened and segregation of Roma in education may also have increased.
Available data for employment shows encouraging trends but the improvement in most indicators is very small. The only indicator where an increase of the gap is likely present is employment in the informal sector, and a worsening of the situation for Roma is detectable in the average number of months since the last employment experience.
Homelessness rates remain largely unmonitored – missing in six out of 11 countries. Available data in housing across the Decade region indicates a possible reduction of the gaps and improvement of the situation of Roma in regard to access to drinking water and electricity. However, these achievements seem very modest. Data indicates a possible worsening of the situation regarding the holding of property documents and overcrowding.
Health data shows a possible improvement in access to health insurance for Roma, and a reduction in the gap with the total population. While the same is true for infant mortality and life expectancy, the gaps remain vast.
Available data across the Decade region also suggests a worsening of the situation of Roma and widening of the gap with the total population in regard to poverty, particularly the risk of poverty. Experiences of discrimination seem to have declined, but one-third of Roma continue to report discrimination across the Decade countries.
All these numbers, including those indicating modest success, indisputably urge all of us to invest more in the inclusion of Roma in our societies.
Aleksandra Bojadjieva joined the Decade of Roma Inclusion Secretariat Foundation in February 2012, serving as Policy and Research Officer. She has substantial experience in the field of minority rights and has a particular focus on Roma issues and nondiscrimination. Aleksandra began her career as an activist within several grass-roots organizations. One of her most important appointments has been her engagement as an independent expert at the Advisory Committee to the Framework Convention for the protection of National Minorities at the Council of Europe. She is skilled in research, analysis, policy making, advocacy, training, participatory planning and institutional development. Besides actively communicating and participating in policymaking with decision-makers, she also has extensive background of collaboration with a number of Roma NGOs.