The media hold immense power – they shape public opinion. That is why people like Jasmina Beriša are so important: individuals who represent the voice of the Roma community in the media and public sphere.
Jasmina Beriša is a young Roma rights activist, a law student, and a journalist. She actively participates in the work of non-governmental organisations and projects dealing with human rights, education, and the position of the Roma community. Through her work in the media and activism, she seeks to strengthen the voice of young Roma people and contribute to the fight against discrimination.
“For too long, others have spoken about Roma people, often through prejudice and stereotypes,” Jasmina said, adding that no one can tell the Roma story as authentically as Roma themselves.
“When Roma people are given space in the media, the narrative changes – from pity and stigma to real stories, successes, challenges, and identity. Our voice means visibility, and visibility is the first step towards equality,” Beriša stated.
As her main motivation for addressing issues important to the Roma community through journalism, Jasmina points to injustice and the potential she knows exists within the community.
“I want to be the voice of those who do not have one, to highlight problems, but also to show that Roma people are not merely statistics or stereotypes,” Beriša concluded.