It's more important that someone hears about the story you're writing than it is to hear about you

In your work you pay great attention to ecology. Why this particular topic and do you think it is sufficiently represented in domestic media?

I just happened to be involved with environmental issues. First it was small hydropower plants, and then the topic of air pollution. Our research mostly reveals different abuses and violations of the law. In this case, part of the texts dealt with the negative impact on nature, as well as the consequences for people, even their health. The topics are very professional, complex, and in the long term very important – that is why it is important to introduce them to the public. It seems to me that in the media these topics have been ongoing in recent years, but mostly when something extraordinary happens - like extreme pollution or an incident or protest. However, important facts that change context and thus information that people read are often misinterpreted. Only one such example is reporting about air pollution. Last year, media reported that Belgrade is the most polluted city in the world, even ahead of Beijing, citing the AirVisual mobile app, which can see a list of the world's most polluted cities in real time. While our official institutions have denied that the app is relevant, the public seems to have increasingly trusted it. Therefore, we spoke to a researcher from the Institute of Physics in Belgrade and through the interview realized that the truth is somewhere in between – the data is relevant to inform about air pollution in your city, but the ranking of the most polluted cities makes little sense because of different time zones. As we are told, a morning in Beijing can be pollution-free, while in Belgrade the evening can be the worst, so the comparison does not give a real picture of the condition.

How do you comment on the position of women in domestic media, especially in the field of investigative journalism?

Women prevail not only in investigative journalism, but throughout the profession. On the other hand, men are most often i higher positions, with some exceptions including CINS, which has a female editor. The position of the female journalists is not enviable. I think misogyny is present to some extent. Female journalists are more likely to receive insults at the expense of gender than on the basis of expertise and professional qualities. When it comes to field work or with interlocutors in general, you are more likely to be shouted at if you are a woman, and also with you will be an unpleasant male interlocutor, while a far more polite and professional conversation will avoid women. I experienced a similar experience when I had an interview with a male colleague, when we worked as a pair. Male interlocutors had a more aggressive tone to me than towards him, there were even comments that I hated them, until they gave such grades for him. Also, when answering questions, they looked mostly at him, even when I was talking to them. Of course, there are comments about physical appearance – that you are beautiful, sweet, smile well. It's always uncomfortable, but over time you learn to emphasize to the interlocutor immediately that it doesn't please you and it usually ends there. I remember only once a woman tried to discredit me from a position of power. An interlocutor from one ministry told me upon entering the office that she was expecting someone older and more serious, because through the conversation while we were arranging the interview, she thought I was several years older. That might not have been so problematic if she hadn't said the same thing repeatedly during the interview. Of course, these comments can be very often just an honest reaction, especially when, as in CINS, young journalists deal with serious topics. People sometimes find it surprising, but such a spontaneous reaction is recognized by the fact that after it the interlocutor speaks with full respect to you.

You've won numerous awards. What do they represent for you and how much do they really mean to you?

Rewards mean something, of course. In addition to personal satisfaction and being motivated to move on, they help make your stories more visible, and stories are the most important at the end of the day. Awards are by no means their own goal, I think they have value if they come spontaneously – as a result of great work on a topic that interests you. It's more important to me that someone hears about the story you're writing than it is for you. It should also be noted that many stories that lead to smaller or greater changes for the better, or trigger some important debate in society but remain unawarded in an official way. So, the prize isn't the only measure of quality and important story.

Is fashion a significant part of your life?

I love fashion, and with social media I'm probably paying more attention to it. I like it when fashion inspires me, that what I have in my closet combines differently or I just try something new, when I see that fashion is following people and their actions and not the other way around.

What's the style for you?

If we're talking about dressing, it's style when we say, "This is you." The essential style, in my opinion, can come as an unconscious preference for certain things – whether it's colors, tones, models, a tendency to detail that somehow mark you. I don't think style is solely about designer and expensive things, or blindly following trends that last a few months at a time, but it's more of a matter of taste. It is present in you in a distinctive way no matter how much fashion changes - you actually take from fashion what more or less fits your style. Also, I think maybe the most important part of style is the way you deal with it. That's when you hear "I don't like what you're wearing but it looks good on you, you know how to pull it off." It's important that you feel good about who you are, not necessarily wearing the latest pieces because it's modern now. Also, you don't have to run away from something that is mainstream if you like it, you don't have to be different at all costs to have style - because the same clothes two people can wear completely differently and give away two completely impressions. Another important thing about style is adapting your wardrobe to the occasion, but staying consistent with yourself - you don't have to wear a ball gown at prom if it's not your thing, you can give importance to that opportunity in something that looks more like you.

Does work affect your dressing?

It affects a lot. I spend a lot of time sitting down so I need to feel comfortable, first of all. On the other hand, I like her to be pretty for myself, too. I love skirts, dresses, wide-waisted trousers, bombers, leather jackets, baggies. I'm always in sneakers, usually colorful – they're kind of my detail. I like details, as well as jewelry, but he often bothers me when I work, so when I'm at work it is mostly reduced. I'm essentially looking to feel as relaxed as possible. I even pick out material that doesn't necessarily need ironing. My private style is slightly more urban, with more asymmetrical pieces, tile, sequins, more emphasized jewelry and bags of various colors.

How would you describe your own style?

Relaxed, urban, unpretentious. I like simple pieces that fit well with interesting shoes, bags, jewelry. I seek attention with detail rather than being conspicuous at all costs.