DajPhen - Solidarity Networks for Roma Women

Dajphen is a term that comes from the Romani words daj, which means ‘mother’, and phen, which means ‘sister’. The juxtaposition of these two terms defines a whole sorority system created by Roma women to assist, support, and care for each other during the process of becoming. 
Most often, the maternity of Roma women is discussed in negative terms, the narrative brimming with stereotypes, prejudices, and references to forced sterilization policies. At the same time, the lack of sexual education, the insufficient services regarding reproductive health, the lack of access to medical infrastructure and health services, and the institutional racism are some of the problems we have identified in the Roma communities in which we work. Therefore, due to the lack of access to services and support provided by the state, the Roma women develop their own “world" to support each other while going through this arduous process with many barriers imposed both by the institutional system and the society.

Based on these realities, together with the Roma Center for Health Policies – SASTIPEN , in the project ‘DajPhen - Solidarity Networks for Roma Women’, we aim to support and strengthen the capacity of Roma women and teenagers of Roma ethnicity facing multiple and intersectional discrimination (ethnic, gender, economic, age, etc.) from the Roma communities in Valea Seacă, Mizil, and Giurgiu to rely on an alternative system of community support. Also, one of the objectives of the project is to increase access to reproductive health and maternity services to enhance social inclusion.