by Melissa Charles
June marks Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) History Month. The UK honours this month every year celebrating the rich cultural diversity of traditions, languages, and cultures among Gypsy, Rom and Traveller communities as well as raising awareness about their experiences of prejudice and discrimination. The theme this year is “Who Inspires You?”, which calls for recognition of individuals in Gypsy, Rom and Traveller communities who have made a difference, stood up against injustices, and act as an inspiration to others.
What better way to do that than to celebrate the work of brave Roma women human rights advocates, where, despite a backdrop of marginalised representation, their accomplishments, from political office to grassroots activism, are worthy of greater notice and respect.
This blog explores the crucial work of Roma women as brave human rights advocates. It also illuminates the lack of representation of Roma voices, and particularly the voice of women, in historical narratives and contemporary debates. Their accomplishments, from political office to grassroots activism, are worthy of greater notice and respect.
Gypsy Roma Traveller History
Roma and Traveller communities have a long and complicated history in the UK and Europe, shaped by displacement, forced assimilation, and marginalisation. These groups have faced institutionalised persecution since they arrived in Europe some centuries ago, ranging from slavery in Eastern Europe to the Porajmos, or Roma Holocaust, during which as estimated 220,000 to 500,000 Roma were murdered by the Nazis. This sinister period can be compared to the Holocaust of the Jewish people and is part of an extended history characterised by racism, exclusion, and resilience.
Despite this history, Roma and Traveller lives remain on the margins of national narratives and school curricula. Anti-Gypsyism remains rampant today. The UK’s Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities are exposed to disproportionate health, education, employment, and political exclusion problems.
Celebrating Inspirational Gypsy Roma and Traveller Women
Dijana Pavlović
One of the most prominent Roma women in Europe is Dijana Pavlović, a Serbian-born Roma actress and activist based in Italy. Pavlović is widely known for her activism for Roma rights and her fight for political representation at the national and European levels. She has addressed the European Parliament and was instrumental in formulating Italy’s national Roma inclusion policy. Her activities are focused on advocating for systemic change and the acknowledgement of Roma people’s contribution to society. Pavlović’s advocacy serves as a reminder that representation in public life is a right, not a privilege, one that Roma women still struggle for amidst ongoing discrimination.
Kathleen Cunningham
In the UK, Romany Gypsy woman Kathleen Cunningham is a leading campaigner for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people’s rights. A community activist and co-chair of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Police Association (GRTPA), she works to build trust between Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and public institutions, particularly the police. Cunningham advocates for improved treatment of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller persons in the judicial system and has spoken publicly on mental health issues facing Traveller communities. Her focus on cultural sensitivity and community-led solutions has led to significant engagement with local government authorities and public services. Her work demonstrates that transformative change often comes from the ground up and highlights how lived experience must inform inclusive policy development.
Lisa Smith
Lisa Smith, a PhD student at the University of Liverpool and Irish Traveller, is another key figure in GRT representation. Smith grew up in a Traveller community and is one of a few women from her community to go on to higher education. She is also known for featuring on BBC’s “My Big Fat Gypsy Women’s Lives” and for delivering a TEDx talk whereby she dispels myths about GRT women. Smith’s work concerns itself with the obstacles that Traveller women face in gaining access to education and healthcare. By combining scholarly learning with her own life experience, she has become a voice for increased representation within public debate and policy-making. Her narrative is not one of personal achievement alone, but one of constructing possibilities for generations to come.
Inspiration
Inspiration takes many forms, be it a voice that resonates, a narrative that makes us think, or a truth that cannot be disputed. The women featured in this discussion: Dijana Pavlović, Kathleen Cunningham, and Lisa Smith, each shed light on a distinct path to justice, dignity, and empowerment. Through art, activism, education, and policy, these women are opening spaces for others to flourish. I am most moved by the common narratives of oppression and survival. The solidarity of the marginalised communities, such as Jewish, Roma, Traveller, and others, is key to a more just future.
Roma and Traveller women have been at the forefront of creating social change for a long time; however, their voices are seldom heard. GRT History Month is a vital reminder that both visibility and voice are essential. In most settings, such as political circles, community circles, and learning circles, the efforts made by GRT women need to be listened to. Hearing their stories is more than a learning experience; rather a call to action. We are all encouraged to dispel stereotypes, stand up for marginalised communities, and hear the voices of the silenced.
Let us make GRT History Month not the end point of discussion but the beginning of positive allyship, questioning, and transformation.
Bibliography
Kenrick, D. and Puxon, G. (2009) Gypsies Under the Swastika. 2nd edn. Hatfield: University of Hertfordshire Press.
Pavlović, D. (2020) ‘Roma Inclusion in Italy: An Ongoing Battle’. European Roma Rights Centre. Available at: https://www.errc.org/news/roma-inclusion-in-italy-an-ongoing-battle (Accessed: 11 May 2025).
Traveller Movement (2023) Profiles in Courage: Roma and Traveller Women Leading Change. Available at: https://www.travellermovement.org.uk (Accessed: 14 May 2025).
GRTPA (2022) ‘Meet the Co-Chair: Kathleen Cunningham’. Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Police Association. Available at: https://www.grtpa.com/about (Accessed: 13 May 2025).
Smith, L. (2021) ‘Challenging Stereotypes of Traveller Women’, TEDx Talks. Available at: https://www.ted.com/tedx (Accessed: 14 May 2025).
University of Liverpool (2024) ‘Lisa Smith: First Traveller Woman to Achieve PhD Milestone’. Available at: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk (Accessed: 12 May 2025).
