The journey of motherhood is both universal and deeply personal, shaped by culture, tradition, and individual experiences. For migrant women navigating the first 1,000 days of their child’s life—spanning from conception to the toddler years—this journey often includes unique challenges. To address these complexities, the Collective Cultural Research: “Healthy and Promising Beginnings” was launched, bringing together the expertise of organizations such as the Road of Hope Foundation, GGD Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Somastel Foundation, and Nisa for Nisa.
This collaborative and qualitative study aimed to answer a critical question: What are the needs of pregnant women and mothers of Eritrean, Somali, Syrian, and Moroccan backgrounds during this vital early period?
Understanding Cultural Perspectives
The research uncovered essential insights into the dynamics between newcomer mothers and healthcare professionals. From cultural differences to language barriers, the findings highlight significant challenges. “What is really important to highlight,” noted one of the research coordinators Valerie Chin, “is that different cultures have different ways of communicating. The way one expresses their emotions can vary to a great extent, and often, also due to the language barrier, they are expressed in a non-verbal way.”
Syrian women, for instance, expressed dissatisfaction with the limited frequency of ultrasounds, contrasting with other groups that did not see this as a concern. Eritrean mothers often faced complications in accessing care due to cultural mistrust and linguistic hurdles, while Moroccan mothers were noted for their openness and engagement with healthcare providers.
Professionals, too, voiced challenges in building connections. As Chin explained, “Many times I have seen that these women find it hard to give complete trust at their appointments. My perspective also changed: before, I never noticed how easy it was for me to confide in my doctors. By conducting this research, I understand the newcomer ladies’ position a lot better.”
Stories as Bridges
Central to the project’s methodology was the use of participatory research. Women from the targeted communities conducted interviews with 32 mothers and nine healthcare professionals, facilitating open, trust-based conversations. The project culminated in interventions such as focus groups, the theatrical production Cultureluurs, and an e-book of the same name.
The screenplay for Cultureluurs was originally penned by Petri Bontje, adapted and organized for an ebook by Ana Claudia Luz and beautifully illustrated by Raquel Roriz. Edited by Road of Hope, the play and its accompanying e-book draw directly from the narratives gathered during the research, presenting a nuanced portrayal of cultural dynamics in healthcare.
“Cultureluurs,” Chin shared, “highlights the different backgrounds and challenges, helping medical professionals put their empathy in the right place. Creating awareness around how to work in a culturally sensitive way will support both the women in getting the best care and the professionals in doing their job.”
A Call to Action
The research and its artistic extensions are more than a collection of findings—they are a call to action. The insights gathered emphasize the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue, fostering mutual trust, and implementing culturally sensitive care practices.
To explore these rich narratives and gain practical tools for building empathy and collaboration, download the full research report and the Cultureluurs e-book from the Road of Hope website.
Together, let’s pave the way for healthier beginnings and stronger connections between diverse communities and the healthcare system.