Glossary

Male agents of change are male volunteers who have participated in training courses run by medica Liberia and are sensitised to relevant issues such as gender-based violence. Subsequently, they can serve as role models for their fellow male community members. A male agent of charge is committed to promoting the needs and rights of women within his community. Some of the men trained for this role are put forward by the community leaders, and others come forward themselves, to the women support groups or to the staff of medica Liberia. These men work closely together with the women support groups, for example in cases where there is a conflict between a husband and wife. Generally in these cases mediation sessions will be organised jointly by the male agent of change and the women support group. 

Mediation rooms in Kabul, Heart and Mazar-e Sharif offer a place for families to receive counseling and look for ways to resolve their conflicts, without being afraid of the disgrace this might bring upon the family if the neighbours see lawyers or social workers visit them.

What are the differences between MHPSS and the Stress- and Trauma-sensitive Approach (STA)?

• MHPSS (Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support): Improvement of psychological health and psychosocial well-being of the suffering target groups.
• medica mondiale and STA: Trans-sectoral promotion of an empowerment-oriented approach by specialist staff, improving gender justice and breaking down the spirals of violence that are exacerbated by trauma dynamics.

In order to break through the cycle of stress and trauma dynamics, an organisational culture characterised by mindfulness is important. The mindfulness of the staff members is directed towards their own stress and reaction patterns on the one hand, and structural problems on the other (for example, safety management, or information flow within the organisation), which can all exacerbate the stress and trauma dynamics.

This includes the introduction and practice of stress- and trauma-sensitive communication. If all staff members learn to adopt appropriate communication strategies suitable for everyday working life, this enhances the problem-solving and constructive cooperation in the teams.

In Bosnia and Kosovo, medica mondiale had for many years both a permanent gynaecological practice and mobile clinics - these are minibuses fitted out as small gynaecological treatment rooms. The mobile clinics enable the organisation to reach women and girls in outlying and inaccessible villages and regions.

See also “trauma-sensitive health care work”

 islamic and legal scholars