"It’s as if we’ve known each other forever." Marie Siváková on the power of Elena Gorolová’s story in the book by Slovo 21
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Pain. Anger. A silence that lasted for decades. The topic of forced sterilizations has returned to public debate in recent weeks, partly due to the compensation of victims. The new book Podphandle mašľičkenca – Tied with Ribbons, published by Slovo 21 at the end of last year, has also sparked strong reactions. In it, Romani writers from our Paramisara club have collected authentic stories of women whose lives were irrevocably scarred by sterilization. One of the most powerful testimonies is the story of Elena Gorolová, a woman who has dedicated her life to the fight for justice. The interview with her was conducted by Marie Siváková. "It felt like we had known each other forever," she adds.
Your writing often touches on Romani identity and the status of women. Is writing a way for you to speak out about these issues?
Most of my writing stems from one powerful feeling—a deep-seated frustration. Frustration with the status of Romani people and how the patriarchy functions. My fifteen-year-old son recently told me, "Mom, you're not a Romani writer. You're an activist." And I replied, "Okay, then I am." He thinks differently today. He’s concerned with the whole world, not just the fact that we are Romani. And perhaps that is the direction we want to head in—to be a part of everything. But for me, my roots and Romani pride remain important. I still feel the need to speak about our issues.
Where did your love for writing actually come from?
I’ve been writing for myself since I was a child. My uncle, who wrote fairy tales and short stories in Romani, was a huge inspiration to me. I was completely blown away by it. When I recited one of his poems at a family celebration, something clicked inside me—I wanted to be like him. Another turning point came with the ROMEA journalism course. I went into it more out of curiosity, but that was where it turned out I could write in Romani, too. After that, I started contributing to various periodicals and anthologies.
I remember being completely floored when I had my first public reading and total strangers came up to thank me or encourage me to keep writing.
The book Podphandle mašľičkenca – Tied with Ribbons was created in our Paramisara club. What does this group mean to you?
I’ve been absolutely thrilled with the group from the very beginning. I really enjoy these strong women who write with such passion. So, I’m happy that I can be actively involved. I’ve already contributed to two anthologies, and I feel that every meeting fulfills me. I feel great support from the other authors, and I always highly value the advice from our editors. I don’t think I’m some experienced writer who doesn’t need an editor’s help. On the contrary, I know that editors provide the invisible foundation without which it wouldn’t be possible.
How did you perceive the topic of forced sterilizations?
It is a powerful and painful topic that needs to be discussed. The hardest part for me was finding a woman willing to speak openly. I know several in my own circle, but none of them wanted to. As it happened, I discovered that it also affected my mother. But I knew I didn’t want to conduct that interview with her. And then the idea came up: try Elena Gorolová…
The most well-known fighter for sterilization compensation in the Czech Republic...
Exactly. Honestly, I was very nervous about it. I didn’t know if I could share anything new about her. If it was even possible to find something that hadn’t already been said. I knew the bar was set very high. I had prepared questions; I wanted to be original. But right at the beginning, I put my notebook away.
The interview was intimate from the very first minute. Suddenly, I felt as if we had known each other forever. Because she opened up to me, I opened up to her. And it was precisely because of that that we reached things that perhaps hadn’t come up in other interviews.
You poured your own emotions into the story. Was it difficult to reveal yourself?
I thought a lot about how to remain professional and keep the focus primarily on Elena. But the anger was sometimes so intense that it couldn't be pushed aside. Eventually, I realized that my emotions belonged there. That they enrich the story. Because it is a topic that is close to my heart. Because I am a Romani woman.
In the story, you write, among other things: "The roots of the voice remained where the pain began." What does that sentence mean to you?
It’s a feeling. Something we carry within us. Sometimes it’s a small seed that begins to grow precisely from pain. Perhaps it can't be fully described in words. That’s why I used the metaphor. But one thing is certain—today, we finally have a voice. And we can speak.
The short story collection Podphandle mašľičkenca was created as part of the activities of the Paramisara Romani writers' club, which is implemented by Slovo 21 with the kind financial support of Bader Philanthropies, Inc., the State Culture Fund of the Czech Republic, and, last but not least, the City of Prague.
