The 2018 conference lived up to and maybe exceeded our expectations. We heard about powerful Gypsy women in history, strong women in the circus, Traveller activism in Ireland , videos, poetry and personal testimonies. Laughter, applause, conversation and community. A very special occasion.
To celebrate the centenary of women’s suffrage, our annual mini conference and AGM 2018 will examine the crucial role played by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller women in the campaign for rights and equality.
Provisional programme:
| 09:00-10:00 |
Welcome and registration (Refreshments available) |
Margaret Wood and Sue Mutter |
| 10:00-10:15 | Opening remarks and chairs report | |
| 10:15 10:35 | Romani and Traveller women’s activism past and present. | Jeremy GRTHS & Lisa Smith |
| 10:35- 10:55 | ‘Take us as we are’ short film and performance | Liza Mortimor |
| 10:55- 11:15 | Her Inspirational Journey to advocacy and success | Sindy Joyce |
| 11:15 – 11:35 | ‘Women in the circus’ short film | Dr Dea Birkett (Women Circus Proprieteurs) |
| 11:35 – 11:55 | Mother & daughter activists and Lawyer | Mania Malik & Natasha Malik |
| 11:55 – 12:15 | Gypsy Roma Traveller Women’s Empowerment Network | Christina and Tina Purcell |
| 12:15 – 12:35 | Janie Codona * | |
| 12:35-13:30 | Lunch Provided | |
| 13:30-14:00 | ACERT Panel discussion | Hazel Marsh , Siobhan Spencer, Kealey Sly |
| 14:00-14:20 | ||
| 14:20-14:40 | Josie O’Driscoll, Sherrie Smith and Claire Rice* | ReportRacism GRT |
| 14:40-15:00 | Lois Brookes* | |
| 15:00-15:20 | ‘Roma and Traveller Rights Defenders’ European pan activist network | European Roma Rights Centre |
| 15:20-15:30 | Closing remarks | |
| 15:30-16:00 | ACERT AGM |
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is carrying out a consultation on enforcement powers as they relate to unauthorised development and encampments. Details of the consultation can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/powers-for-dealing-with-unauthorised-development-and-encampments The deadline for submissions is June 15th . We would encourage as many people and organisations as possible to put in submissions.
On Tuesday 15th May the ACERT Executive Committee decided to endorse the letter sent by Henry Chapman of the Gypsy and Traveller Coalition regarding these proposals. and I have just done this by filling in the online consultation form.
Denisa Gannon who participated in the Romed mediator training organised by ACERT, and spoke at our annual mini-conference in 2015 in interviewed for Guardian Society by Catherine Baksi.
The article illustrates the struggles she experienced to qualify as a solicitor and the level of commitment and perseverance required to qualify. She also speaks of the challenges faced by Roma in the UK in the run-up to Brexit.
