Project presentation
Hungary is home to one of the largest Roma populations in the EU, around 700,000 people, who face poverty, exclusion, and discrimination in housing, education, employment, and healthcare. Roma women are particularly affected, experiencing multiple forms of discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, and social status.
The association EMMA has launched a project to improve sexual and reproductive health for pregnant Roma women. The project relies on a network of trained Roma doulas across seven regions in Hungary, who accompany women to medical appointments, provide accurate information about reproductive rights including abortion, and distribute medications such as the abortion pill.
Key actions include:
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Capacity-building for doulas with training on reproductive health, contraception, safe abortion, menstruation, STI prevention, and public speaking.
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Expansion of the network to cover all of Hungary, including eastern regions and the border with Ukraine.
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Development of educational resources and toolkits for doulas, annual knowledge-sharing meetings, and mentorship opportunities.
