Denmark’s tough laws on begging hit Roma women with few other options

Members of the Roma minority face discrimination in Denmark. Those who turn to begging are criminalised.

Copenhagen, Denmark – On a frigid morning in Copenhagen, Loredana rests on a chair inside a busy shelter for homeless people and drug users.

People are chatting all over, but she’s alone in a corner, hands over her lap. She’s wearing a billowy skirt, several layers of thick sweaters, and a windbreaker, which envelop her tiny frame. Deep wrinkles cover her face at the age of 25.

A shopping cart beside her overflows with a stack of soaking-wet magazines.

“I can’t sell them anymore,” she says in a quiet voice.

Loredana is partially mute and deaf – so it takes some time to understand, and to be understood.