Midwives United

A strong midwifery workforce depends on strong leadership. To help prepare the next generation of leaders, Jhpiego, the International Confederation of Midwives, World Health Organization, United Nations Population Fund, and others brought together 33 young midwives from 32 countries to participate in a leadership symposium. The midwives met in Copenhagen in May for three days of workshops and networking. As part of the 18-month program, each midwife will be paired with an experienced midwife-mentor. Together, they will have opportunities to engage and collaborate with advocates and specialists in maternal health with the goal of promoting the profession, strengthening midwifery education, and advancing the leadership role of midwives in preventing needless deaths and building strong, healthy communities.

Photos by Cole Bingham/Jhpiego