Perception: Roma parents do not love or care for their children and often exploit them for financial gain.

Reality: Children are an adored and cherished part of the Roma family unit. The child symbolizes “God” and represents the continuity of the Roma way of life. Difficult circumstances have created a situation in which it is customary for each Roma family member to take an active role in contributing to the well-being of the family as a whole.

Sabira Hašimović (42),
Mother and President of the Roma Women’s Association

Sabira: “I have lived in Bijeljina all my life. I work at the ‘Otaharin’ Association and am also the president of the Roma Women’s Association. I’m a single mother to my son, Ervin. I have raised Ervin alone – I’m both his mother and his father. Ervin is the perfect child and I am so proud of him. Ervin’s education is my number one priority in life. A good education will allow him to find a job and to lead a stable life. When Ervin started school, he used to tell me that other kids would reject him solely because he was Roma. Thankfully, the situation is better now and he has a lot of friends. He is at the top of his class and also loves sports. He plays football and basketball. I’m glad he likes sports because it means he doesn’t spend his free time on the streets. Kids need structure and responsibilities to set them up for a good future. My son has always been clean, well groomed, and well dressed. Our economic situation is poor and many Roma people do not have easy lives, but the idea that all Roma children are dirty and live on the streets is just not true. My dream, as a mother, is that Ervin will finish college. His wants to be an IT programmer or a football trainer and I just hope that society gives him that chance.”