David Tišer: Ashoka Fellow Driving Change for the Roma Community

David Tišer, founder of SRT partner ARA ART, was awarded an Ashoka Fellowship in 2023 for his work combating discrimination against Roma people, particularly LGBTQ+ individuals. Tišer has been instrumental in addressing the challenges faced by Roma people, promoting Roma rights, visibility, and leadership across the Czech Republic. His initiatives aim to strengthen Roma-led representation and advocacy, ensuring individuals can embrace all aspects of their identity without fear of rejection or discrimination.

The Ashoka Fellowship, which provides leading social entrepreneurs with a global network, strategic guidance, and resources, has enabled Tišer to collaborate with experts and organisations to drive structural reforms. One of his key contributions is the new definition of Romani participation, adopted by the Government Council for Romani Affairs in early 2024. This definition introduces mechanisms for greater Roma involvement in policymaking, ensuring that policies reflect the community’s needs and priorities.

Additionally, Tišer played a pivotal role in securing the Czech government’s official recognition of antigypsyism in April 2024. This definition, which acknowledges the systemic discrimination against Roma people, has been incorporated into national anti-discrimination policies and European human rights frameworks, strengthening efforts to combat stigmatization and exclusion.

The fellowship has also allowed Tišer to expand ARA ART’s existing projects, including ŘEKNU.TO, a counselling service dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals within the Romani community. The initiative now provides assistance to approximately 400 people per month, addressing the unique challenges faced by Roma LGBTQ+ individuals.

Beyond LGBTQ+ advocacy, Tišer has broadened ARA ART’s focus to improving Roma women’s access to education, employment, and legal protection. Through policy initiatives and facilitated discussions, ARA ART now works to advance gender equality within the Roma community and broader society.

Tišer’s selection as an Ashoka Fellow highlights his leadership in advancing Roma rights, LGBTQ+ visibility, and policy reforms. His work continues to drive meaningful change, empower marginalized communities, and challenge deep-rooted discrimination.