Ljulje Grivec Beriša

Can you briefly introduce your life path and how you got involved in working for Roma issues?

I come from a Roma family with roots in Kosovo, where my parents moved to Maribor in 1978 for work. Maribor is now home to the largest Roma community in Slovenia, where many, including myself, belong to the Islamic faith. I grew up here, attended kindergarten, primary school, high school, vocational school, university, and completed my Master's degree. Immediately after graduating in 2006, I started working at the Center for Social Work in Maribor, where I continuously developed professionally. In 2014, the CSD recognized the need for more support for Roma and introduced the only position for a coordinator of Roma affairs in Slovenia, a position I have held for ten years. Over these years, I have constantly educated myself and expanded my knowledge. I completed training as a professional collaborator with the Social Chamber of Slovenia and enrolled in a university where I obtained a degree in social management. This year, I decided to continue my studies at the Master's level because I believe that with knowledge, I can contribute even more to the integration of the Roma community and improve their position.

What motivated you to work in social assistance and support for the Roma?

Since childhood, I wanted to work with people and help them so that they wouldn't experience the injustices that I myself went through. Although I couldn't initially choose the desired educational path, I found a way to follow my goal – working in social work. I realized that helping Roma is extremely important because they face many challenges such as evictions, lack of education, and discrimination. My role allows me to help individuals and families integrate into society, pursue education, and access various forms of assistance.

What have been the biggest milestones on your path? Was there a moment when you really had to persevere to achieve your goal?

One of the biggest milestones was the unsuccessful application to the desired secondary school, but I found an alternative path to education and a profession that fulfills me. Another important milestone was getting employed at the CSD Maribor, where I had to prove myself as a dedicated and capable collaborator. I invested a lot of effort into obtaining the professional title and further education to advance. As the only coordinator for Roma affairs, I had to repeatedly prove the importance of my role and fight against prejudices.

Have you ever encountered prejudice in your work – either because you are a woman or because you are a Romni? How do you deal with this?

Of course, prejudice exists both within and outside the Roma community. Roma women are often limited to the traditional roles of housewife and mother, which makes education and employment more difficult for them. There are also stereotypes about Roma in the broader society, which hinder their integration into the workforce and society. I have overcome these prejudices with hard work, education, and perseverance. Through my work, I prove that Roma are capable and deserve equal opportunities.

How do you see the role of women in the Roma community and what changes do you observe in this regard?

Roma women have historically faced limited opportunities for education and employment, but today things are changing for the better. More and more Romni in Maribor are successfully completing primary and secondary school, and some are even embarking on their academic path. At the same time, they are increasingly integrating into society and the labor market. I also observe that Roma women, who are the third generation born in Maribor, often get employed and enter mixed marriages. I am glad to see that they are becoming more aware of their rights, more confident and independent, and with great enthusiasm, they are participating in various projects and initiatives.

What are your goals in future work? What would you like to achieve?

My main goal is to continue raising awareness within the Roma community in Maribor about the importance of education, integration into society, and employment. It is also very important to break down stereotypes about Roma in the majority society, as this will contribute to better integration. For nearly two decades, I have been a role model for young Roma through my work at the Center for Social Work. Throughout these years, I often witness touching moments when parents, in conversations with their children, say: "Look at her, she is one of us, and look where she works. That's why you have to go to school so that one day you will be like Beriša." Such moments give me a sense of fulfillment because I know that parents have recognized the value of education and are passing it on to their children. This brings me even closer to the goal I have always wanted to achieve.

What would you say to young Roma and Romnijas who are wondering whether they have equal opportunities for employment and advancement in society?

I would like to encourage the young people to believe in themselves and their abilities. Although they will face prejudices on their path, it is important that they persist because education will open doors to a better future. They should be brave, look for opportunities, and dare to dream big. My biggest role model is my mother, who after 42 years of work at Henkel (formerly Zlatorog) has earned her well-deserved retirement. Following her example, I strive to become an inspiration for the younger generations and show them that with hard work and perseverance, anything can be achieved.