Nataša Brajdič

INTERVIEW WITH NATAŠA BRAJDIČ, POLICE OFFICER OF ROMANI ORIGIN

What inspired you to pursue a career in the police?

I didn’t choose a career in the police myself — it was destiny that led me down this path. I remember, though, that as a nine-year-old girl, I listened with great interest to career presentations in elementary school. The profession of a police officer left the strongest impression on me.

Have you always wanted to work in this profession, or was there a specific experience or event that led you to it?As a child, I wanted to become a preschool teacher to help Romani children with communication. I personally struggled with not understanding the Slovene language. Today, as a police officer, I have the great opportunity to work daily with children and teenagers and show them that we shape our own lives. My message to both children and parents is always: where there is a will, there is a way, and where there is a way, there is also a goal.

How has your career developed over the years?My journey has been colorful like a rainbow. I gained experience both at home and abroad. This journey taught me that good is returned with good, and that one should not judge — but rather, learn.

How would you describe your experience as a Romani woman in the police profession? Have you faced any specific challenges or prejudices?I started in 2005–2006 as a lecturer on the Romani language, culture, communication, and customs at the Police Station in Krško. It was definitely a challenge. At that time, such training programs were just beginning in our local area and across the broader Dolenjska region. Prejudices are always present in all of us. I certainly have encountered — and still do — different views on how a woman should live. This happens both within the Romani community and beyond. Being a woman who holds to her own principles rather than following the traditional values of her community is difficult in any culture. My shield and trusted supporters have always been my parents, who stood by me in everything.

How does the Romani community view your work? Do you feel supported and accepted, or do you also face doubts?I have always felt strong support from the Romani community. Of course, there have also been some negative reactions and doubts. Romani women are changing the world of our community — we are powerful role models who are shifting the path of our rich Roma culture.

How important do you think it is for Roma to be represented in professions like yours? Do you see yourself as a role model for younger generations?Roma are and will be present at all levels, both local and national. It’s very important that, like in the police, we have representatives of Romani origin in all other professions — such as teachers, journalists, medical workers, and so on. I would point out here that the broader society does not emphasize enough that it’s not about where you come from, but about who you are and what you represent as a human being.

How do you see your role in the future? Do you have any long-term goals or projects you want to work on?I look forward to the future. But what matters most is today.

What would you like to say to the public about the Roma and their potential and contribution to society?Being human is the most important thing in life. We change the world by starting with ourselves. Our world is like a rainbow, and with respect, every color we carry shines through.

What would you like to say to Roma?I don’t have a message for Roma. I have a message for today — for myself: I will give a smile to every person I meet today, lend a hand, and help anyone who needs my help.