I arrived to Czechoslovakia in my 18 of age. I do not speak Czech, so the Russian organization mediating the work for immigrants took care of me. I started to work in clothing factory, far from the city. The working conditions were horrible. I worked many hours every day besides Sunday. This was no life. Therefore I decided at least to go to the downtown from time to time, to patisserie or theatre or for walking only. I liked to go to Town Park, where the band played sometime, so I was sitting there and listening to nice music. Once, there was a presentation of some women group. They talked about situation of women in society, their rights, freedom of speech, religion and about all, what regime forbad to women. They seemed to me like very strong women, who follow what they talk about and live according to that. They received me as a new member of women movement “Bertka”, named after foundress Berta Karouzská. They helped me to leave from the factory as well as to find a new job as governess. I took care of different kids, babies or older ones. I helped them with preparing to school or I just played with them. Women movement Bertka had also more radical activities, at least according to opinion of local political representatives. It was concerning to public presentations about women rights; freedom of speech etc., fortunately anybody has never been arrested. Finally I left Bertka , when I met my husband, doctor and married him. But we met again, although as old women. I spent a part of life with them, I never forget about them and I will be glad of their help till death.

by Julia Prokopova <JuliaProkopovaSPAMFILTER@post.cz>