Joveva in ‘Ženski magazin’: “I’m proud that my mother was a cleaner and my father a steelworker.”

On Tuesday, 23 July 2025, MEP Irena Joveva gave an open, emotional interview to the popular Macedonian magazine Ženski magazin, where she reflected on her roots, childhood, and personal journey from her  hometown of Jesenice to the halls of the European Parliament. In an honest and moving conversation, she also spoke about motherhood, political challenges, and the role of women in public life.

When asked about her childhood, she fondly recalled growing up in Jesenice – a place that remains close to her heart: “To me, it will always be the most beautiful town in the world,” she said, “precisely because of the memories I carry from those early years.” Raised in a close-knit housing estate, surrounded by families who had migrated from across the former Yugoslavia, she remembers a spirit of solidarity, where “neighbour stood by neighbour” wasn’t just a saying, but a way of life.

Proud of her heritage, Joveva emphasized that she has never been ashamed of her roots, her surname, or her family. She grew up between two cultures — Slovenian and Macedonian — and embraced both. For nearly a decade, she attended supplementary Macedonian language classes, and for almost twenty years she danced in a Macedonian folk group affiliated with the cultural association Ilinden, where she remains an active member.

Reflecting on her visits to North Macedonia, she said they were far more frequent during her childhood — unforgettable trips filled with warmth, genuine friendships, and even a first love. While her visits are now more occasional due to work and family responsibilities, she maintains strong ties with loved ones and continues to nurture her cultural roots.

Her recent speech in the European Parliament — in which she defended the Macedonian language and identity — resonated powerfully with audiences both in and outside Macedonia. She confessed that she had no expectations when she delivered the speech, nor did she seek attention:

“I simply said what should already be obvious to everyone,” she explained. Still, she was moved by the fact that her words reached not only those who supported her but also those who perhaps needed to hear them most.

As a woman in politics, Joveva has long faced prejudice and, at times, double standards. What frustrates her most is the fact that, even in 2025, the political sphere is still largely male-dominated — something she believes should no longer be the case: “The only things that should matter are one’s work and results, not gender,” she stated.

She has learned to live with public scrutiny — and has even come to expect targeted attacks and attempts to discredit her. What still hurts, though, are the attacks directed at her family:”Reading lies about myself doesn’t faze me anymore,” she admitted. “But when someone targets my family — that’s different. That cuts deep.”

One such moment came recently on social media, where she was mocked because of her parents’ professions.

“It hurt to see someone ridicule honest work — in this case, my parents’. I’m proud that my mother was a cleaner and my father worked in the steel industry. Nothing was handed to me, and even less to them. I am living proof that success doesn’t require connections — and certainly not shortcuts — just hard work and integrity.”

Although she generally follows parliamentary protocol, she admitted that at times she consciously breaks the rules — out of principle.“These days, it feels nearly impossible to remain ‘correct’ in a political system so often led by people whose values exist only on paper — stashed away in some forgotten drawer,” she said.

She recounted one such moment: standing in the European Parliament chamber, holding up a photograph of Yazan, a young boy who died as a result of hunger and genocide in Gaza. The image was shown for only a few seconds before she was warned to turn off her microphone — but the moment remains unforgettable:

“That surge of adrenaline — not just because the session was chaired by a German MEP — but because of the responsibility I felt in that moment. I knew I was on the right side of history.” “In such cases,” she continued, “it’s more ethical — in all its irony — to break the rules with your head held high than to nod along in silence. I am proud to give a voice to those who don’t have one, whenever I get the chance. That’s why I ended my recent address in the Macedonian language. If humanity has a price, I’ll pay it gladly.”

When asked about the greatest source of support in her life, she named her family — first and foremost, her late mother, whose presence continues to guide her every step: “She is still my greatest inspiration. I’ve never met — and probably never will meet — a stronger and more just person.” She added that her father’s steady support, her partner’s encouragement, and the presence of her young daughter Mila — “a source of strength she doesn’t even realize she holds yet” — have all shaped her path.

When asked what she would change for women in Europe if given the chance, she didn’t name a specific policy or law, but rather a shift in mindset:

“Less envy, more empathy. Less pressure to look or be perfect. And the understanding that you don’t need an ‘Instagram body’ to be worthy.”

She admitted that appearances have never been of great importance to her — though she understands how social expectations can shape public perception:

“Personally, I couldn’t care less what someone is wearing. But I do get it — there’s a widespread belief that people trust someone more if they’re wearing a blazer or a suit rather than a sweater and jeans. I remember as a kid, people always noticed who wore something new. I never did. Because clothes, material things — they never really mattered to me.”

Toward the end of the interview, Joveva shared a tender reflection on her late mother’s cooking — and her regret at not having written down more of her treasured recipes:

“It’s something I’ll never forgive myself for. Back then, we didn’t have smartphones to record everything. And I was just a teenager, not yet aware of what it would mean to carry her culinary legacy forward in today’s chaotic life.”

With a warm smile, she added: “Let professional chefs forgive me — but my mom was the best cook in the world. My favorite Macedonian dish? Tavče gravče. She made it perfectly. I’m not there yet. But one day, I hope to be.”

You can read the entire interview at the following link.