Discrimination and stereotypes, low level of education and qualification, socio-economic marginalization, lack of support and services and access to digital devices and Internet are among the key barriers that the Roma women and the beneficiaries of guaranteed minimum assistance (GMA) face in accessing the labor market, shows our analysis.
The employment rate in the Roma population is 23%, which is almost twice lower than that of the national average. Employment data about Roma women are even more alarming – only 8%, indicating great challenges ahead and a drastic gender gap. At the same time, some 25% of the Roma community works informally. The lack of financial resources is the most important reason for their failure to attend kindergartens, primary and secondary schools. The financial uncertainty takes a toll on one’s health and well-being as well: according to the basic health indicators, life expectancy in the Roma population is 10 years shorter than the national average.
This is why, in addition to determining the barriers that make it significantly harder or impossible for Roma women and GMA beneficiaries to access the labor market, the analysis also formulates proposals for improving the public policies that can help address the challenges that these fellow citizens face.
The data given in the analysis unequivocally point out that in order to be able to create conditions and opportunities for decent employment and economic independence – which will contribute to improving the overall socio-economic situation of the community – the relevant institutions must take significant measures. By this we refer to institutions such as the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, the State Labour Inspectorate and the Employment Service Agency because they not only control the access to the labor market but also have a legal obligation to work to overcome the systemic discrimination which goes hand in hand with all barriers listed in this document.
The analysis is available in English – here.
