Community Roma Doula Service

Disadvantaged women are more vulnerable to obstetric violence due to their social and economic situation, and their reproductive and childbirth rights are more often severely violated the of middle class women. The project aims to combat this by operating a Community doula service in Alsózsolca and by supporting the self-organization of Roma women. The trained community doulas provide free support to disadvantaged pregnant girls and women who wish to have a companion during childbirth.

Roma women with a disadvantaged background are more vulnerable to obstetric violence; their reproductive rights can be cumulatively violated in the absence of adequate information and training. Many pregnant women request it, but cannot find someone in their environment who would accompany them in the delivery room; these women are thus left alone.

In the Community Roma Doula Service in Alsózsolca project, local Roma women take on a supportive role and accompany their fellow women in the hospital. In a particularly vulnerable stage of a woman’s life, the doulas work towards ensuring that women's physical and emotional needs are met and work towards preventing discrimination against them.

The project emphasises the importance of supporting all women in becoming competent in their own lives. The doulas are local Roma women with a direct insight into the needs of local mothers. The project incorporates doula training and develops a trusting relationship through discussions about motherhood.

Community doulas experience personal and professional development through being birth companions, and become role models within the community. Local mothers are empowered with a sense of security, self-determination, information and maternal competence. The presence of doulas in the project builds bridges between disadvantaged pregnant women and health workers.

The project aims to establish similar community doula services in other regions of Hungary. Initially, discussions in Roma women's communities are to be arranged to inform about the programme. These are based on the needs and specialities identified, and could be expanded elsewhere. The training of new potential doulas could take place with the help of a local organisation.

Photos © Valeria Cherchi