Editor’s opinion

Inside the Romnja Feminist Library: A Founder’s Perspective

Some time ago, we had the opportunity to engage in an insightful interview conducted by Allianz Foundation, where we—the founders of ‘The Romnja Feminist Library’—explored the essence and importance of establishing a dedicated space for the past, present, and future of Romnja feminist knowledge production. In this discussion, we share our vision and delve into the empowering act of creating a platform that celebrates the narratives of Romnja women and girls—a space to reclaim and recognize our feminist knowledge, unjustly denied to us for too long.

In response to Allianz’s inquiry about the core content of “The Romnja Feminist Library,” we were tasked with selecting two significant pieces for publication. The first is a deeply personal poem titled “Maskar e lumjende” by Aldessa, presented in the Romani language. This poignant piece reflects Aldessa’s journey as a Roma woman navigating multiple identities and learning to exist between worlds. You can listen to the poem here.

Our second selection is an article by Angela Kózcé from 2018, titled “Transgressing Borders: Challenging Racist and Sexist Epistemology.” In choosing Kózcé’s illuminating article, we’ve embraced a piece that aligns seamlessly with the very essence of the Romnja Feminist Library. Kózcé skillfully navigates the complexities of racist and sexist epistemology, unraveling the intricate connections between Romani women, political activism, and feminist intellectual thought, emphasizing the critical role Romani women play in reshaping societal structures.

Kózcé’s insights resonate with our vision for the Romnja Feminist Library. We recognize the transformative power embedded in the knowledge produced by Romani women activists and scholars. The library serves as a dynamic platform to amplify these voices, showcasing their invaluable contributions to social and political changes at local, national, and international levels.

In curating knowledge produced by Roma women and girls within our library, we aim to underscore the importance of recognizing Romani women’s efforts in every context, acknowledging their tireless work often unseen by the mainstream narrative. By integrating Roma feminist knowledge production, we contribute to the broader discourse and highlight the continued relevance of Romani feminist knowledge in reshaping our understanding of societal structures and fostering positive change.

You can read the full interview here.