Empowerment of Roma women and their children’s early childhood development opportunities and school attendance

Abstract

The current study investigated the differences between three Roma communities in Skopje regarding early childhood development opportunities and primary school attendance rate of children (n = 418) and the degree of empowerment of women (n = 162). Moreover, examined is if the degree of empowerment of women is associated with their children’s early childhood development opportunities and school attendance. A questionnaire was administered to Roma women to investigate the early childhood development opportunities, school attendance rate and degree of empowerment. In addition, focus group discussions are held to assess the degree of empowerment of the women. Results showed that significant differences between the three communities exist concerning the degree of empowerment of women and the situation of the children. Additionally, the research showed an association between the degree of women empowerment and the situation of the children. Higher levels of empowerment of mothers are associated with a better situation of children. If the situation of children it to be improved, it is therefore required to invest in the situation of women as well.