Extract from an interview with Sanni Bundgaard, Technical Advisor, Gender-Based Violence Program, International Rescue Committee

We work with vulnerable populations of women, who often speak only their native languages. Translators help us truly understand the challenges they face, including details about their living conditions, or other safety and health risks, which is critical. At the same time, it helps us adapt our services to the local culture, and that includes being delivered in the local language.  If the beneficiaries do not feel that they are being heard or that our services are culturally appropriate, we will not be successful.