Discrimination, harassment, and lack of professional support and respect are key barriers hindering midwives’ ability to provide lifesaving, quality care to women and newborns, according to findings in the first and largest global survey of midwifery personnel led by the World Health Organization, the International Confederation of Midwives, and White Ribbon Alliance, with partial support from the U.S. Agency for International Development-funded HP+ project.
The new report, “Midwives’ Voices, Midwives Realities: Findings from a global consultation on providing quality midwifery care,” reveals more than a third (37 percent) of some 2,400 midwives in 93 countries have experienced harassment at work, with many describing a lack of security and fear of violence. Midwives support women and babies throughout their journey to safety every day. It is essential that we hear midwives’ voices and listen to what they have to say.
On February 27, please join us at the Wilson Center for a discussion of the voices and realities of midwives working to bring quality, respectful care for women, newborns, families, and communities.
Welcoming Remarks
Roger-Mark De Souza, Director, Population, Environmental Security, and Resilience, Wilson Center
Opening Remarks
Mary Ellen Stanton, Senior Maternal Health Advisor, U.S. Agency for International Development
Panelists
Frances Day Stirk, President, International Confederation of Midwives
Nancy Kamwendo, National Coordinator, White Ribbon Alliance Malawi
Fran McConville, Technical Officer, Midwifery, World Health Organization
Moderated by: Frontline Health Workers Coalition Chair Julia Bluestone, Senior Technical Advisor, Education and Training, Jhpiego