“At first I was very suspicious and reluctant, but after a few meetings it has become a welcoming place for me, where I know I am understood and welcome without prejudice. The cultural mediator I met there helped me to understand the instructions and advice of the gynecologist. She is sensitive and has never made me feel different or judged. She always has a kind word, listens to what I say and makes a lot of effort to make sure I understand the doctor’s explanation on reproduction and on the various contraceptive methods available, which promotes better understanding and decision-making. I understood, even if not immediately, that her mediation is valuable because it encourages communication between me and the gynecologist, and the other doctors as well. If she were not there, I wouldn’t understand anything, and perhaps I wouldn’t come either since I would feel embarrassed. At first, I would come with one or two family members. Now I even come alone. I trust her and I feel welcomed and assisted. She is a point of reference for me and for my friends, who came after me.”
This is one of the many testimonies of immigrant women who come to the women’s health center. Let us remember that the role and the sensitivity of the intercultural mediator is also of paramount importance in cases, which are unfortunately too frequent, of violence or exploitation of women, whether physically, psychologically or financially. Unfortunately, we read stories about this every day, and the women’s health center has a dedicated welcoming service which offers a shoulder to lean on and which can be fully trusted. It’s a good thing they’re there!
