Fighting Intersectional Violence Against Roma Women and Girls – The Case of Croatia

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex challenges associated with intersectional discrimination experienced by Roma women and girls in Croatia, particularly within the context of gender-based violence. While Croatia ratified the Istanbul Convention and enacted various national strategies aimed at Roma inclusion, this paper argues that the detrimental effects of intersectional discrimination on gender-based violence remain insufficiently explored. Such detrimental effects can be identified in the J.I. v. Croatia case, despite the ECtHR’s hesitancy to legally recognize discrimination in the absence of clear statistical evidence. The notion of intersectional discrimination also reveals the failures of Croatian judicial authorities to address forced and early marriages among Roma girls effectively. This paper emphasizes the advantages of looking at discrimination of Roma women and girls through an intersectional lens. It advocates for a holistic approach in line with the requirements of the Istanbul Convention, including the training of legal professionals, stronger policies for prevention and protection, and improved data disaggregation. It underscores the need for policies that specifically address the obstacles Roma women face and, equally importantly, for their active involvement in policymaking.