This lecture delves into the intersection of Romnja Feminism and decolonial thought, two critical frameworks that have emerged to challenge dominant power structures and advocate for social justice.
Romani and Sinti Feminism, rooted in their situated experiences across Europe, emphasizes the need to address both gender and race discrimination within the society at large. Decolonial thought, on the other hand, confronts the enduring effects of colonialism, seeking to deconstruct colonial narratives, restore marginalized voices, and reimagine more equitable futures. This lecture examines how these two frameworks intersect and mutually inform one another, leading to a deeper understanding of the complexities of oppression, identity, and resistance. By exploring the ways in which Romnja feminists engage with decolonial thought, we gain insights into their strategies for challenging not only patriarchy but also the Eurocentric narratives that perpetuate their marginalization. This analysis contributes to ongoing dialogues about intersectionality, liberation, and the dismantling of oppressive systems, highlighting the transformative potential of combining Romani and Sinti feminism and decolonial thought in the pursuit of a more just and inclusive world.
Sebijan Fejzula serves as a researcher at the Centre for Social Studies and concurrently pursues a Ph.D. in Human Rights in Contemporary Society at the University of Coimbra. She assumes the role of co-editor for the book titled „State Racism: A Collective View from the Perspective of Autonomy and Racial Justice“ (2023) and boasts authorship of several articles, including: „De-Whitening of Romani Women’s Intersectional Experience“ (forthcoming); „Anti-Roma Racism, Social Work, and the White Civilisatory Mission“ (2022); among others. Furthermore, Sebijan stands as a co-founding member of Kale Amenge (Roma for Ourselves), an independent anti-racist Roma political organization dedicated to advancing the collective emancipation of the Roma people and the establishment of Roma political autonomy.
