Conducting a Participatory Local Needs Assessment

A thematic Roma Rights Forum was held in Pavee Point on 16 October.  This thematic session examined the process of undertaking local needs analyses through a discussion of principles and approaches to working with communities.  The following three areas were discussed:

  • Human Rights Based Approaches – Fidelma Joyce, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.
  • Including gender – Jane Pillinger, Independent researcher and policy advisor.
  • Community participation – Ronnie Fay and Mary Brigid Collins, Pavee Point.

The Roma Rights Forum takes place quarterly in Pavee Point and is a space for people working with Roma to come together to discuss ideas for addressing human rights issues facing Roma and to overcome challenges in this work.  It has an online group where people can share information and ideas.