I think the most important word is “vulnerable.” While reading Asaad Traina’s entry “Going Through It Alone,” I reflected on the fundamental lack of acknowledgement of each woman’s humanity. Perhaps the more appropriate word is simply “humanity.” While spoken language is often a barrier, there is an alternative, a universal language: smiling, holding a hand, sitting down and touching an arm, sharing a cup of tea or glass of water… something to say, “You are not alone here. I am with you.”
It is impossible to foster change in an entire system if you are there for short periods of time. However, we can let each person with whom we come in contact know that she is not alone- that she has someone with her who will acknowledge her being by his own.
Fereydoon Jariri wrote that in every interaction we either give life or we take it. There is no middle ground. While language is important, there are other ways of giving life. As we do so, we too are made more whole and more alive.
Thank you again for your words.
P.S. We do not use sterile gloves for pelvic exams in this country either.
Global Health Diaries 