Roma people in Europe constitute an ethnic/cultural/linguistic group thatsuffers severe discrimination and social exclusion. Studies indicate thatthe Roma population in all EU member states and accession countries isparticularly affected by high unemployment, law quality of life and thedevelopment of delinquent tendencies. Several reasons are quoted ascausing this situation, but the lack of labour market and relevantvocational qualifications ranks among the most important. Roma womenare particularly affected since they rely traditionally on men for householdincome. In this context their cultural specificity is under threat as they areled to live under increasingly worse conditions that seriously underminetheir traditional way of life. This project’s aim is to improve the lifechances of Roma women, by providing them with necessary training andsupport in developing a sustainable household or communal productionof traditional dresses. Market research shows that there is a demand withsignificant growth potential for “ethnic” clothing, particularly dresses.However due to the gradual abandonment of traditional crafts most Romawomen no longer know how to make traditional dresses, neither are theyacquainted with the garment manufacturing machines or modernmethods of household production. These factors indicate three mainproject outcomes: Pilot training of a group of 15-20 young Roma womenin each partners country to modern methods of household production indesigning, sewing and marketing traditional Roma dresses in order to actas trainers, intercultural facilitators and multipliers. ; Development of acomplete training and production pack (instructional Guide and Manual,production methodology, designs, marketing guide and didactic material)that will be made widely available through existing Roma organizationsand networks in all partners countries and beyond ; Fashion show in eachparticipant’s country where traditional dresses produced by the traineeswill be presented ; The impact of the project is expected: to improve theirsocial conditions of life ; to combat intolerance, racism and discrimination; to contribute to the preservation and elevation of an important aspect ofRoma culture; Romani traditional dresses.