We met again with Roma women in Jarovnice, with whom we have been working for a long time. Our meetings provide a space for sharing experiences, mutual support and discussions about issues that affect the lives of Roma women and their communities.

The main topic of the meeting was preparation for the continuation of the research into Roma women’s life stories. We discussed documenting their life stories and experiences, particularly those of women who were unlawfully sterilised in the past or experienced other violations of their rights.

The research is being conducted by Kateřina Čapková from the Faculty of Arts at Charles University in Prague as part of the INHIST project – Inclusive Histories of Central and Eastern Europe from the Mid-19th Century to the Present, funded by the European Research Council (ERC). The project explores modern European history through the experiences of marginalised groups, including Roma and Sinti people, Jews and people with disabilities.

We are glad that this research also creates an opportunity for Roma women, whose experiences have long been overlooked, to have their voices heard and their stories documented. Their stories are an important part of our shared history.

At the end of the meeting, we also remembered our late friend Kristínka, who recently passed away, by sharing some funny stories and fond memories. She was a member of our group and for many years advocated for justice for Roma women who had been unlawfully sterilised, as well as for better living conditions for people living in the marginalised Roma community in Hermanovce. Her determination and work remain an important part of our shared efforts towards a more just society.

We would like to thank the Municipality of Jarovnice for providing the venue for our meeting.