Anna Orsós

Today we present a successful Roma woman from Hungary, Anna Orsós, president of the organization Amrita OBK Egyesület. Anna has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of the Roma community—especially Roma women, who are among the most vulnerable groups. She is one of the most active members of the Roma community in Hungary and is also engaged in numerous international projects.

Can you briefly introduce your life journey?

I grew up in deep poverty in a Roma settlement called Akácutca, under the acacia forest. Life there was hard, and many Roma in the settlement worked as day laborers, performing physical labor for the white community in exchange for food. I lived in a small house with seven siblings, and later I raised my two children there. I wanted to break free from that poverty and live a life like my non-Roma peers—to live in a nice house, wear proper clothes, travel, and have a well-paid job.

My father completed the schooling available at the time and worked at the enamel factory in Bonyhád. My mother was illiterate, yet she was the most intelligent woman I have ever known. Despite the tough financial conditions, I remember my childhood and life in Akácutca fondly. Between the ages of three and six, I suffered from kidney disease and required constant hospital care. Despite this, the community was very supportive, and I felt like part of a big family. I loved listening to stories by the fire while food was being roasted in the evenings. We, the children, lived freely, played, and helped our parents and elders.

What inspired you to become an active advocate for Roma rights?

I was motivated by the deep inequality I witnessed around me and a strong sense of justice. I saw how the Roma community, including my own family, was treated unfairly, and that injustice drove me to fight for our rights—for my family, for my people. I wanted to create a world where Roma, like everyone else, could live without discrimination and have equal opportunities in education, employment, and society. Realizing that the status quo was unacceptable, and that I could do something to change it, inspired my work.

What challenges have you had to overcome, and how have they shaped your work in the community?

The biggest challenge I faced was the lack of belief in change within my own community. Many people didn’t believe that change was possible or that there was any hope for a better future because centuries of oppression had shaped their lives. Overcoming that skepticism was difficult, but it made me even more determined to show my community that change is possible.

I had to convince people not only that their circumstances could improve but also that they could be part of the change. This challenge encouraged my work in empowering people to recognize their own worth and understand that they too can break the cycle of poverty and exclusion.

4. Which projects or initiatives have you led to improve the situation of the Roma community?

   One key initiative I’ve been involved in is the Teacher-Student Scholarship Program. This program helps Roma families and students connect with higher education by providing access to private tutors and university support. This initiative has been crucial in bridging the gap between Roma students and quality education—not only enabling them to attend university but also to thrive there. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how this program has helped both students and their families by opening doors that would otherwise remain closed.

   Can you share a story or experience that particularly inspired or motivated you in your work?

   My greatest motivation came from my personal experience as a single mother. I wanted to be able to support my children, change their lives, and show them that they too could have a better future. Raising children in an environment where they could dream of a life beyond the hardships I knew gave me the strength to keep going. It also reinforced my belief that every child, regardless of background, deserves a chance to succeed and build a future full of opportunity.

   What changes or improvements have you observed in the Roma community as a result of your work?

   I’ve seen significant improvements, especially in education. More and more Roma students are enrolling in and completing higher education, and many are securing well-paying jobs. The community has become more confident, with more Roma women standing up for their rights and breaking down barriers that once held them back. While there is still much work to be done, these changes show that progress is possible and that the Roma community is capable of achieving great things.

What advice would you give to young Roma who want to contribute to their community?

My advice to young Roma is to never stop striving for education and personal growth. Know your rights, fight for them, and never let anyone tell you that you don’t deserve a seat at the table. The future of our community depends on each person’s efforts to overcome limitations and help others do the same. By working together, we can build a stronger, more empowered Roma community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

What are your plans for the future, and how do you intend to continue supporting the Roma community?

In the future, I hope to continue expanding the programs I lead, with a special focus on creating equal educational opportunities for Roma. I want to ensure that members of the Roma community not only have access to quality education but also the support needed to complete their studies and secure stable, well-paying jobs. My goal is for the Roma community to hold positions of influence, meaningfully contribute to society, and earn incomes that allow for dignified living, family support, and a better future. I will continue advocating for systemic change that ensures equal opportunities for all, regardless of ethnicity.