Do you think it necessary to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March?

Yes, of course, I think it is very important. We women are fighting inequalities on a daily basis, but on 8 March we all went to the streets together. This day allows us to share our experiences and objectives.

What is the role of women in Roma families?

We can say that they are the basic pillar of the family, the engine of change. In fact, all the changes taking place in the Roma people are made thanks to women. When problems arise, they give the most important advice, as they have many resources based on past experiences from one generation to another.

Has the role of women changed a great deal in recent decades?

Yes, it has changed a lot because we arrived in Euskal Herria over 600 years ago. As a result, the children of the Roma people have had the opportunity to study in schools and this has given them many resources to enable women’s freedom and vulnerability.

Has there been a weakening of Roma women, as in other sectors of society?

And a lot. Through inclusion in schools, our knowledge and our education have changed radically. We are therefore now in jobs, educational centres and universities. In this way, we pass on our new knowledge to the most mature families.

Do you notice that there are still many prejudices related to the Roma in society?

There are many biases related to the physical aspect. Many of them relate to the way they wear or work, and that is why people have the habit of judging whether they are Roma or not. Moreover, the Roma word is often associated with negative prejudices. In order for a change of mindset to take place, it is essential that the two sides are prepared to change things.

How do prejudices influence your everyday life?

Above all, when people are known, it seems essential to mention that you are a Roma. Because of the color of my skin, people judge me and question my origin. In this way, it seems that for you to be a Gypsy you have to have a negative behavior, as if the good Gypsies did not exist. Society therefore demands a permanent demonstration.

There are often signs of machismo among the Roma. Is that really the case?

I think it is impossible to compare Roma feminism with “white” feminism. One of the priorities of Roma feminism is to make it easier for women to learn, while other kinds of feminism can aim at equal pay. We're not just machistas, it's the whole of society.

Have you worked at home values like feminism or equality?

Yes, when a woman shows her weakness at home, the men who make up her family accept the attitude of the woman, who seeks the best future for her and her family.

Do you see today differences between Roma women and any other woman?

Culturally there are great differences by the basis and starting point of Roma feminism and white feminism is not the same. At the individual level, each person has experienced different experiences and the process that each person follows to weaken is different.

Is there still much work to be done?

After all, it is a struggle and we are gradually moving forward. I believe that if we all fight together, once, it will be possible to achieve full equality. So I think it is essential to change the situation on the street. On the street there are huge disrespect for women and it is not fair that we should have to go out into the street with fear. Women also have to be free on the street.

How are you going to celebrate March 8, 2020?

I am a member of the Sim Romi Gipuzkoaqé association and we do a lot of things. We are planning to give a talk on March 8 in Deusto with the title “Resistance to Román”.