The studies that have been developed in Portugal that concern Roma issues have increased substantially, particularly from the 90s onward. Several doctoral theses in the field of social sciences that were completed in the early 2000s are highlighted.

On the ObCig website we intend to publicise academic papers done by researchers and students that are dedicated to this area, both national and internationally.

At the same time, research initiatives and intervention actions across the country that involve the Roma communities have been undertaken by public and private entities (schools, associations, vocational training centers, non-governmental agencies, etc). Publicising the result of this research and sustained intervention (local, regional ou national) becomes incredibly relevant through, for example, diversified publications or audiovisual materials.

Promoting understanding of the realities experienced by the Roma people and families in the national context is fundamental to unveiling cultural specificities and the creation of tools for a more contextualized and sustained intervention, capable of undoing the social disadvantage suffered by the portuguese Roma population. In this context, the life histories of Roma adults and youth that can be construed as reference in their territories will also have a space in the ObCig.

We invite you to share your work, to be published in this space, through our email (obcig@acm.gov.pt), so that the scientific and theoretical advances, the intervention experiences and their respective conclusions, as well as the proposed recommendations, can contribute to the personal, professional and/or academic development of all interested parties. This work can also serve as a stimulus for the development of new studies, the improvement of professional practices, and the approximation of all Portuguese citizens, regardless of “ancestry, gender, ethnicity, language, place of birth, religion, political beliefs, ideology, income, social status or sexual orientation” (Article 13, number 2 of the Portuguese Constitution).