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638-25-12-picture ROMANI GODI: ADVOCATING FOR ROMA IN TURKEY
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ROMANI GODI: ADVOCATING FOR ROMA IN TURKEY

Romani Godi is a non-profit organization Advocating for Roma Rights and Cultural Preservation in Turkey. Romani Godi operates on the belief in the power of Roma memory, supported by accurate information, teamwork, and cooperation between field, civil, and community decision-making, with proper participation ensured.

Autorica: Deniz Lal Secgin

Romani Godi, meaning "Roma Mind", is a non-profit organization (NGO) in Turkey committed to strengthening the social memory of the Roma community and combating inequality. Founded in early 2022 by a group of young activists under the slogan "Opre Roma" (Rise Roma), the organization began as an initiative and later formalized as the Roma Memory Studies Association (Romani Godi) (romanigodi.org).

The mission of Romani Godi is to create rights-based solutions through monitoring, research, and reporting to address the inequalities and discrimination faced by Roma individuals. The organization works to document and make visible every word spoken and written about Roma, providing accurate and reliable information to those in need and offering guidance to those working on Roma-related issues. Their vision is to improve the situation of Roma in Turkey and Europe by researching their conditions and creating a collective memory to advocate for change.

Romani Godi operates based on core values such as accuracy, inclusivity, and solidarity. They strive to ensure that all information related to Roma is accurate and accessible, while fostering collaborations with partners to promote social development. Teamwork and solidarity within the organization are emphasized as essential to achieving their goals, allowing them to act effectively in advocacy and community support.

The organization actively participates in national and international platforms to advocate for Roma rights. Among their notable contributions is the report "Roma Communities in Turkey During the Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic," which highlights the challenges faced by Roma communities during the pandemic and the need for targeted support. Through their research, reporting, and awareness-raising activities, Romani Godi aims to challenge harmful stereotypes, break down barriers, and build a more just and inclusive society for Roma individuals in Turkey.

Romani Godi implements several concrete projects aimed at empowering the Roma community. One of their key initiatives is “Breaking Barriers, Building Justice,” which focuses on empowering Roma, Dom, and Abdal women through workshops on gender equality, rights awareness, and legal training. The project also provides mentorship and support to community facilitators, helping participants access justice and advocate for their rights.

In addition, Romani Godi conducts monitoring and reporting on human rights conditions for Roma in Turkey, addressing issues such as education, housing, healthcare, employment, and discrimination. This work strengthens collective memory and identity while promoting evidence-based solutions for improving the lives of Roma.

The organization also runs online training and advocacy programs for Roma youth, teaching them how to monitor hate speech, engage with their communities, and communicate with authorities to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Roma.