The conference and fair titled “Best practices of Roma employment in Serbia” held at Mikser, confirmed it is possible to develop Roma entrepreneurship, including women entrepreneurship.

17 companies which had previously hired 60 Roma, received support within the Project “European support for Roma inclusion” funded by the EU and implemented by OSCE Mission to Serbia. Total value of the donated equipment, along with consultancy support and staff training, amounts to some half a million euros.

Mapping good practices in Roma employment showed that Roma entrepreneurship has lately been developing across Serbia and sectors: textile industry, food production, agriculture, construction, production of plastic, recycling as well as provision of social protection, photo and video, cleaning, beautician and printing services.

romi-2At the fair, the companies presented not only their products and services, but also their new employees. It was an opportunity to bring these companies together with representatives of large companies and discuss possibilities for cooperation through supplying or partnering up.

Furthermore, young educated Roma had a chance to introduce themselves to large companies with a good track track record in hiring Roma.