Médecins Sans Frontières - ENGLISH - International Women's Day

Unique Identifier Code / URN MSB222318

Date taken / Date Recorded 22/02/2025 7:53 PM

Expiration date 07/03/2030

Country Greece

Commissioning section MSF-SWITZERLAND

Photographer / videographer / producer Myrto Mouzaki

Copyright Myrto Mouzaki/MSF

Usage Rights (MSF) External Media, MSF Fundraising, MSF Publications, Social Media

Formal Consent Copy available no

Editor's rating ★★★ (F)

Video format h264 (Main) (avc1 / 0x31637661)

Duration 1m51s

Maximum Size 1080px × 1920px 125.56 MB

Additional Information / Shotlist For International Women's Day, we asked our midwives in Athens, Greece to tell us in their own words what it's like to work with refugee and migrant women.

Nasim: I decided to work for Doctors Without Borders,
because I, too, was once a refugee along with my family
and I completely understand that this population needs
a special approach.
They need more sensitivity.

Pelagia: Over the years working as a midwife with Doctors Without Borders,
I have worked with women of various nationalities
whom I consider to be symbols of strength and resilience.
These are women who have done—or would do—anything
to protect themselves, their children and their families.
I feel very fortunate to work as a midwife,
as our role plays a crucial part in empowering women
by providing information and services on sexual and reproductive health,
thus breaking taboos surrounding
women's bodies and their health.

Dimitra: The role of the midwife is very important
especially since many of these women live in environments lacking basic infrastructure.
As midwives, we strive to
empower women, help them understand
their rights, feel safe in their bodies,
and develop self-esteem.

Aggeliki: Refugee women in Greece
face serious challenges in accessing health services
related to language barriers,
cultural taboos around certain health issues,
as well as general difficulties in reaching medical facilities.
Other challenges they encounter
include gender-based violence and the fact that,
in most cases, they are the sole caregivers of their children.

Marina: The women we care for are so strong.
They have undertaken dangerous journeys in order to survive,
and they have escaped from horrific situations.
As midwives, we do everything we can
to ensure they feel calm, healthy, and safe.

ENGLISH - International Women's Day - Greece

ENGLISH - International Women's Day - Greece