Curiosity and Open-Mindedness: A Dutch Approach to Mediation in France. Member Spotlight: Barberine Raming
For Barberine Raming, mediation is the culmination of a life defined by movement, listening, and cross-cultural dialogue. From her beginnings as a nurse in the Netherlands to her humanitarian missions with Médecins Sans Frontières, her years in the Amsterdam police force, and her eventual settlement in France, Barberine has consistently been drawn to the human side of conflict: the stories, misunderstandings, and possibilities for connection that lie beneath the surface.
“I was always passionate about Africa,” she recalls. “After my nursing training in 1992, I left the Netherlands to discover the continent on my own. It was an incredible experience, and it showed me how important it is to understand people within their own cultures.” That trip set the tone for a career rooted in care and curiosity. She became a guide in a travel agency and went on countless missions with organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières. Her later work with MSF deepened her commitment, as she supported communities facing crises and learned to navigate complex, multicultural environments. “At some point I felt that the moment had come to either continue these missions and choose a life of wandering, or to put down roots somewhere.” In making the difficult decision to leave a life of adventure behind, Barberine settled in Amsterdam. Back in the Netherlands, Barberine joined the Amsterdam police, where she confronted conflict from another angle. She quickly realized that rules and enforcement were only part of the story: “You can’t resolve everything with laws. Communication, listening, and respect are just as important.” That insight eventually guided her toward mediation.
Her move to France opened yet another chapter. Despite having an existing knowledge of the French language prior to her overseas move, Barberine chose to invest in obtaining a university degree as a legal expert in translation and interpretation with the court of appeal in Limoges, France. Working in translation and legal settings, Barberine became acutely aware of the cultural differences in how conflict is understood and addressed. To deepen her commitment even more, Barberine has obtained an IMI recognised certificate from the International Mediation Campus, and she is currently working to obtain a French diploma in mediation. “In France, there isn’t the same mediation awareness that exists in some other countries,” she explains. “The French system can be very hierarchical, considering their strong legal and written tradition, especially compared to the horizontal system of Dutch communication. But mediation is about humility, and about creating space for people to listen to one another––regardless of the influence of culture, the main objective in mediation is the same.” Looking forward, Barberine hopes to raise awareness among the judiciary and legal professionals in France since these are the people who can support the development of mediation in the future rather than hinder its development. “Mediation is in fact the only space where people come voluntarily to talk to one another in a different way. It is a protected space, a temporary bubble of peace, listening, and respect, where tensions can be eased and where other ways of seeing and doing things become possible.” Hopefully, Barberine explains, the French will adapt and adopt a more Anglo-Saxon approach to mediation––where mediation on the local level is supported and validated.
With the Dutch, French, and English languages mastered across both quotidian, legal, and professional realms, Barberine acknowledges the power of language in mediation as a critical part of cross-party connection and understanding. “Words are powerful,” she says. “They can wound, but they can also open doors. A good mediator helps people choose words that allow dialogue, not confrontation.” In continuing her work in France, Barberine hopes to contribute to a broader view of mediation in her community, Grenoble, with a less theoretical and more practical approach. “I hope to help on a micro-level––helping my local commune, the schools, and the companies here create pleasant and safe living and working environments through respectful communication,” especially since Grenoble is a region with a strong international community.
Alongside her formal work, Barberine volunteers for a mental health hotline, where she practices deep listening and empathy every day. “It’s a reminder that sometimes, the greatest gift you can give is to simply listen” she reflects. This spirit of service underpins her mediation philosophy: conflicts may appear unmanageable, but people often need little more than to be heard and respected. Providing support in this manner isn’t easy, and Barberine recognizes the importance of mediators learning how to separate themselves from the crises they deescalate. Such emotionally-tasking work is difficult, but it has pushed Barberine to become a better mediator. “It makes you even more accurate and intentional in the way you respond and the way you listen,” she explains. “It progresses your active listening, your reformulation, and most of all, your empathy.”
Her journey with Mediators Beyond Borders International began almost by chance. While researching her studies, she came across MBBI online and was drawn to its international scope. Attending the launch of MBB Europe affirmed her sense of belonging. “It was inspiring to see so many people from different backgrounds committed to the same goal: building peace through dialogue,” she recalls. In the following weeks, Barberine hopes to bring the lessons she has learned through MBBI and her diverse career back to her community in Grenoble. She is especially eager to co-mediate and collaborate internationally, bridging perspectives across borders. “Curiosity, open-mindedness, humility, deep listening, and respect––these are my compass points,” she says. “If you carry those into every conversation, you can build understanding anywhere.”
Article by Sarah Stenovec, MBBI Writer