“I am a Roma woman. I can do anything!”
For years, the Foundation Towards Dialogue has been advocating for the rights of Roma people in Poland. Through education, political advocacy, and targeted empowerment, especially for women. At a time when international funding is decreasing significantly, their work remains more important than ever. filia continues to support the organization in maintaining its programs.
When Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022, around 100,000 Ukrainian Roma were forced to flee their homes. Many sought refuge in Poland. What they didn’t always find there: safety, protection, and support. While most refugees were met with open arms, Roma people were often received with less warmth. Due to racist prejudices, structural exclusion, and a lack of political will.
But there were organizations in Poland that stepped in to help – among them, the Foundation Towards Dialogue. Since 2012, the foundation has been supporting Roma communities in Poland. With the onset of the war, it expanded its work – to include emergency humanitarian aid, long-term empowerment, targeted educational efforts, and political advocacy.
Shaping policy through dialogue and expertise
The Foundation Towards Dialogue’s mission is reflected in its name: fostering dialogue instead of division. The foundation engages in discussions with ministries, sits on advisory boards for the education of Roma children, and brings its perspective directly into governmental decision-making processes. Because only when political decisions consider the lived realities of Roma people integration and equal opportunities can be achieved. Today, the President of the Foundation Towards Dialogue chairs the subcommittee on educational issues of Ukrainian Roma children within the Polish Ministry of Education.
In addition to political advocacy, the Foundation emphasizes communication and maintains a strong presence in the media. On podcasts, at panels, and cultural events. Roma women share their stories of strength, become role models and bring perspectives into the public sphere that have long been ignored. This creates a new societal dialogue – not about, but with the Roma community. Roma activist Olena Vaidalovych appeared on the cover of Wysokie Obcasy – Poland’s leading weekly magazine for women. The headline reads: “I am a Roma woman. I can do anything!”
International funding is drying up – filia remains
Immediately after the war began, financial support for refugees from Ukraine was substantial. EU funds, private donations, and support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) enabled the Foundation Towards Dialogue to build a team of up to 60 staff members.
Today, more than three years after the invasion, not only has media attention declined, but alos financial support for Roma refugees and those living in Poland. Decreasing donations, the expiration of EU grants, and the sudden end of U.S. funding have placed the Foundation Towards Dialogue in severe financial difficulty.
“We had to downsize our team and let people go. We had to move into a smaller office and now share the space with another NGO,” reports a colleague from the Foundation Towards Dialogue.
We are therefore especially glad that filia is able to support the Foundation Towards Dialogue with an additional grant of €20,000 during this difficult time. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the donor who made this possible.
Photo: Mateusz Jaskot / Foundation Towards Dialogue – Celebration of International Roma Community Day at the Roma Community Center run by the Foundation Towards Dialogue in Warsaw
