News & Announcement – 5 May 2011 - International Day of the Midwife

04 May 2011

The Road to Durban: Midwives walking for the women of the world!

On May 5^th, 2011, let us walk in solidarity with the midwives of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) to show our commitment to improving maternal and newborn health around the world.  In preparation for the ICM Congress in Durban, South Africa in June 2011, the ICM is calling on midwives to organize 5 kilometre walks in cities and towns around the world on the International Day of the Midwife.  These walks will merge as a global event that symbolically culminates in a 5km walk into Durban on June 18^th, to preface the 29^th Triennial ICM Congress.  

The Canadian Association of Midwives fully supports the ICM’s Road to Durban Campaign for Safe Motherhood and encourages all members to organize 5km walks during the May 5^th week in their own communities.  Marches in every community across Canada are critical to raising awareness about midwifery and maternal and newborn health. 

In addition to raising awareness, CAM proposes that individuals use the International Day of the Midwife 2011 to raise funds for organizations dedicated to reducing maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.  Please see this PDF for a sample sponsorship form. 

The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) has made available a sample press release form that can be adapted for use in your community.  In addition, ICM has created generic promotional posters that can be used for your walk.  Please find all of this information HERE.

Let CAM know about your event!  This way we can include your event in our national press releases and communications with ICM. Please send the following information to Eby Heller at eheller@canadianmidwives.org: 

• Location of walk
• Date and time of walk
• Estimated number of midwives walking
• Estimated total participants
• Beneficiary of funds being raised (if applicable)
• Any information concerning the main message of walk (local midwifery issues, global themes, etc.)

The more events across the nation, the more awareness we can bring to maternal, infant and child health. 

Contact us before your event so we know how many midwives are marching!