Strong Women Build Strong Communities. They Get These Opportunities Thanks to You

Every woman deserves the chance to live a dignified life—but not every woman is given that opportunity. People in Peril supports women from marginalized communities at different stages of their lives, focusing on education, employment, personal development, and support in raising children.

When women gain new skills, confidence, and support in overcoming challenges, it transforms not only their own lives, but also the lives of their families—and gradually, entire communities.

Life in Conditions Many of Us Cannot Imagine

Many women and girls live in extremely difficult conditions on the outskirts of villages or entirely outside them. They often reside in inadequate housing or makeshift shelters without access to clean drinking water, sanitation, or basic infrastructure. Something as routine as visiting a doctor, going to school, or handling official matters can mean walking several kilometers.

Women are most often responsible for running households and caring for children or sick family members. They live under constant pressure and uncertainty, spending most of their time meeting basic needs. This leaves little room for education, employment, or even caring for their own health. The long-term impact is severe—on both physical and mental well-being. On average, they live 6.6 years less than the majority population.

Many face multiple layers of discrimination—based on gender, ethnicity, and poverty. They encounter prejudice in schools, workplaces, and public institutions. Negative experiences with healthcare, including insensitive treatment during childbirth, often lead to deep mistrust of the system.

Preventive healthcare is underused, resulting in late diagnoses and high rates of preventable illness and death. Infant mortality is up to three times higher than in the majority population, with more than half of deaths linked to premature birth or low birth weight. Miscarriages and childbirth complications are also more common due to poor maternal health and limited access to prenatal care.

Every Girl Deserves the Chance to Learn

Education is key to a better future. Our community workers do everything they can to help girls from Roma communities stay in school and complete their studies. They provide tutoring, organize activities that develop communication and digital skills, and support girls during their first days at school or internships. Most importantly, they offer mentorship and encouragement during difficult moments.

Johanka once believed she wasn’t capable of attending secondary school. With the help of Sisa, a community center worker, that changed:

“The beginning was very difficult because I had gaps from elementary school. But Sisa helped me—and still helps me with my homework. I love my internship; I always look forward to it because Tesco is so lively. My friend and I work in the bakery, and it smells amazing there. I forget all my worries when I’m there. We laugh a lot, and our supervisor, Katka, treats us like her own children. Over two years, I’ve come a long way. I feel like I’m halfway up a huge mountain called education. I’ve learned to travel on my own—take the right bus, not be afraid of trains. When I’m not at school or my internship, something feels missing. I miss my classmates, school, and even the smell of baked goods. And when I feel like giving up, I realize how many people believe in me. They call me, encourage me—I know I’m not alone.”

In addition to education, we help women find and maintain employment. Our community workers act as a bridge between employers and women, offering support, motivation, and assistance in resolving challenges.

“I’m Most Proud of My Children”

Mothers want the best for their children—and Roma mothers are no exception. However, they often face significantly greater challenges due to intergenerational poverty and social exclusion. With the right support, they can transform the future of their entire families.

Mária (name changed for privacy), who regularly participates in our activities, shares:

“When I started coming to the community center, many things changed in our lives. I’ve learned so much—about family, behavior, and understanding. Things that truly matter. I’m most proud of my children. When they come home from school, they tell me what they’ve learned. Sometimes they recite poems or show me drawings they made. That makes me very happy.”

 

We organize “mothers’ clubs,” where women and their children can meet in a safe and supportive environment. Here, they can relax, learn new things, and share their experiences. Many women are not used to talking openly about their feelings—we encourage them to express what brings them joy, what worries them, and what kind of support they need.

Adela, a colleague from the Community Center in Sveržov, describes these meetings:

“One goal is to help children start speaking more Slovak so they’re better prepared for preschool. We also teach mothers how important communication is in raising children. We begin with a short gathering and then focus on what the women need. Sometimes we just talk about their daily lives; other times we invite experts. We’ve had an online session with writer Pavol Hirax Baričák about setting boundaries for children. Another colleague shared her experience as a mother and teacher. We’ve also hosted special education experts. I believe every meeting brings something valuable.”

We are able to support girls and women in Slovakia thanks to donors who choose the Real Gift Women’s Power.

Thank you for your support.