Mostly it is women who do the household chores, who raise children, and make money by collecting recycling cartons or in the grey economy. Other ways of earning a living are often out of reach because of their low education levels. There are different perceptions of the causes of Roma poverty. Some people stress social, economic and political discrimination as the reason for their poverty root, whereas others highlight the Roma's separate way of life as the prime cause. Whatever the cause, Oxfam recognises a two-way process of social exclusion and segregation.
Men are the undisputed owners of assets and are the primary decision-makers.
Roma customs mean that many women are sold to husbands or escape with them at an early age. The woman is owned by the male head of household, and may be mother of many children. She is also expected to be the breadwinner, but receives little recognition for this economic role. Women's lack of economic bargaining power is made worse by gender-based violence that sustains existing power relations. My husband always beats me, both when he loses at his gambling and when he wins.