Agostinho da Silva Auditorium, at Universidade Lusófona – Centro Universitário de Lisboa

On 10 February 2026, the seminar and workshop “Us and Them? Perspectives on Roma Culture, Gender and Interculturality” took place at Lusófona University – Lisbon University Center. This initiative was organised by ReLeCo Public Policies and Governance in Education, within CeiED – Interdisciplinary Research Center for Education and Development, and the Bachelor’s Degree in Education Sciences – Social Education, in partnership with AMUCIP – Association for the Development of Portuguese Roma Women, within the scope of the Elos & Elas project, funded by Lisbon City Council through the BIP/ZIP Programme (Neighbourhoods and Areas of Priority Intervention Programme).

The event, held in a hybrid format, brought together around 120 students (undergraduate, master’s and doctoral), lecturers, researchers and community members in person, promoting a space for critical reflection and intercultural dialogue.

The work carried out by AMUCIP, the first association of Roma women in Portugal, with 25 years of intervention, was highlighted. One of the outcomes of the Association’s activities is the Romano Atmo (Gypsy Soul) Pedagogical Kit, a resource supporting the promotion of interculturality in educational contexts.

The importance of the Operational Programme for the Promotion of Education (OPRE), which has supported young Roma people in accessing and remaining in higher education, was also emphasised.

The round table “Between Tradition, Invisibility and Change” focused on the analysis of stereotypes, challenges and forms of agency among Roma women, as well as on the role of educational and social policies.

The interactive workshop reinforced the importance of cultural mediation, the deconstruction of prejudice and critical thinking, highlighting the need to bring the university and the community closer together in building a more inclusive and plural society.

The dialogue initiated at this meeting will now continue in classrooms and future initiatives, consolidating diversity as a structuring dimension of contemporary educational reflection.

This activity reaffirms the commitment of CeiED and the Bachelor’s Degree in Education Sciences – Social Education to a form of education that articulates teaching, research and community engagement, promoting critical knowledge, intercultural sensitivity and social responsibility.

The recording of the event is available on the CeiED YouTube channel.