Name: Marietta Herfort
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City: Budapest
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Date of birth: 26.01.1987.
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Educational and other qualifications: University degree – Faculty of Arts / Journalist studies / Human Rights Trainer
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Languages spoken: Hungarian and English
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Organisation: RomNet
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In the organization since: 2015
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Present position: Deputy Editor
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Professional/organisational highlight:
I have been working as a journalist in the last 6 years and since 2015 I am part of the team of the RomNet.hu. The aim of RomNet is to present a real, authentic, but if necessary, a critical picture about the Roma, not just informed by the Roma, but also by the dedicated professionals and those who are interested in this topic as well.
Over the past 10 years RomNet reported on all major events affecting the Roma, such as the violence against Roma in Hungary between 2008-2009, about the progress of the negotiations and the verdict; and keeps track of the work of the National and local Roma Self-Governments in Hungary and monitoring the use of EU funds for Roma Integration; the successes and efficiency of these projects, especially on national level.
In the recent years in Hungary all media have been eliminated which focused on Roma culture, public and political life the fate of the minority community and that addressed issues affecting the Roma. There's only one forum left that tries to keep track of important events and happenings: the RomNet.hu.
Besides my engagement with RomNet I am working as a program manager of the Phiren Amenca International Network, I am responsible for International mobility and educational programs. Phiren Amenca is a network of Roma and non Roma volunteers and voluntary service organizations, creating opportunities for non-formal education, dialogue and engagement in order to challenge stereotypes and racism.
The main themes of the educational programs, seminars and trainings are Human Rights, challenging stereotypes, racism and antigypsyism, Roma History, Roma Holocaust, activism and youth democracy. I am also active as a Human Rights trainer and besides my professional work, as an activist I am involved in advocacy work.
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Favourite book: Kristóf Ágota: Trilogy
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Favourite film: The Hours
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Favourite sport/hobby: I love taking big walks
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Remarks on what I’m hoping to leave this event with:
Me, as a person coming from Hungary, as a person who is engaged with civil society organisations and working especially with Roma communities, I am hoping that I will get more motivation and inspiration to continue my work and we develop strategies how we stand against all these attacks on press freedom, civil society and democratic values. I believe this event is also great opportunity to exchange, learn and for networking.
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