Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Participant document
DECISION-MAKING PROCESS
1. The decision-making process is facilitated by adequate and accurate information. In
the diagram below, the mediator helps the woman to reflect on her situation,
problem or needs, and provides the woman information as necessary. This
information must be appropriate to the woman's needs. It must be complete, precise,
and clear; and be understood by the woman.
2. The woman reflects on the information about her situation, feelings, alternatives etc.
She weighs the pros and cons of the situation, anticipates the consequences of her
decision, asks herself questions, considers the alternatives.
3. The woman makes a decision.
4. The woman acts on her decision.
Information
Action
Reflection
Decision
To facilitate the woman's decision-making process, the mediator needs to:
1. Imagine the needs of the woman (based on the mediator’s experience with other
women)
2. Help the woman to express herself and listen carefully
3. Adapt information to the needs/interests of the woman; encourage her questions and
reactions (in order to better understand, and respond to, her concerns and needs)
4. Give the woman time to reflect on the information before making a decision
5. Ensure follow-up to reduce the risk of problems once the decision is put into action
When mediators do not respect the decision-making process, and instead give information
and expect women to decide immediately what they wish to do (as expressed by 'you should
. . . , ought to . . .' etc), often women do not act at all or they make decisions without
adequate thought and without conviction. They may not accept responsibility for the
decision and may even blame the mediator for any negative consequences of the decision.
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RFHI TOT for Trainers of RHMs Session 13: BCC