The conversation, which took place in the Plaça del Poble Gitano, highlighted the persistence of numerous stereotypes affecting the Roma community in Catalonia, despite their presence for over six centuries. According to Ida, the youngest of the group, these prejudices deeply stigmatize their culture.
Charo, one of the participants, illustrated how society often associates Roma people with occupations like street vending or construction site security, or, in the worst cases, with crime. She recalled the frequent derogatory expression: «Where are you going like that? You look like a Gypsy».
We Roma have a label, and there's no way to remove it. We work. We don't steal. There's a bit of everything everywhere, like in all cultures.
The older women, Tita and Antònia, reflected on a life marked by difficulties stemming from being Roma and women. Antònia highlighted a significant event from over forty years ago, when she was the first Roma woman to obtain a driving license in the Gràcia neighborhood, recalling the surprise it generated.
Although they acknowledge that things have changed and the Roma community is no longer as united as before, they also celebrate the greater freedom enjoyed by new generations. Ida, who is also Albanian and Muslim, emphasized the double struggle of Roma women: to preserve their culture and against structural discrimination that accumulates over time.
“"Roma women have to fight every day."
The meeting concluded with a reflection on the pride of being Roma, a feeling that, according to Ida, should encourage girls to move forward without fear of prejudice, stereotypes, or racism, demonstrating that their identity is a valuable part of society.
