https://www.girlsglobe.org Gender equality, human rights and social justice. Thu, 05 Jun 2025 08:37:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://i0.wp.com/www.girlsglobe.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/girlsglobe_icon_green2-1.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 https://www.girlsglobe.org 32 32 128553070 https://www.girlsglobe.org/2025/06/05/jacqueline-dunkley-bent-midwifery-maternal-health-and-inequality/ https://www.girlsglobe.org/2025/06/05/jacqueline-dunkley-bent-midwifery-maternal-health-and-inequality/#respond Thu, 05 Jun 2025 08:37:02 +0000 https://www.girlsglobe.org/?p=66588 Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent OBE is the Chief Midwife of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM). 

Jacqueline has a tremendous career in midwifery clinical practice and leadership. Prior to joining ICM, Jacqueline served as the first Chief Midwifery Officer for the NHS in England and was one of two National Maternity Safety Champions appointed by the Department for Health and Social Care. She is a registered nurse and midwife and holds honorary doctorates from Worcester and Winchester Universities in the UK and a visiting Professorship in Midwifery at Kings College London and London South Bank University.

In this episode, Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent shares some incredible stories from her career in midwifery, including leading national midwifery initiatives during COVID.

Julia and Jacqueline talk about the needs of midwives and the status of maternal health worldwide. They discuss inequality and inequity of care and outcomes for women and mothers between regions and within countries - and the need for data in combination with the stories of women’s lived realities. Jacqueline speaks about her work with ICM and the importance of midwifery leadership through the crises we are witnessing in the world today.]]> https://www.girlsglobe.org/2025/06/05/jacqueline-dunkley-bent-midwifery-maternal-health-and-inequality/feed/ 0 66588 https://www.girlsglobe.org/2025/05/23/neha-mankani-midwifery-and-the-climate-crisis/ https://www.girlsglobe.org/2025/05/23/neha-mankani-midwifery-and-the-climate-crisis/#respond Fri, 23 May 2025 11:35:50 +0000 https://www.girlsglobe.org/?p=66577 Neha Mankani is a community midwife and global health practitioner from Pakistan with a strong focus on reproductive health and rights in crisis situations, emergency response and climate-affected communities. 

Neha is the Humanitarian and Climate Engagement Advisor at the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and the founder of the Mama Baby Fund; a financial emergency fund for maternal and neonatal healthcare in Pakistan. She has extensive experience in SRHR and maternal and neonatal health clinical practice, programming, and midwifery advocacy both at the local and global levels.

In this episode, Neha shares stories from her work with the coastal communities outside of Karachi, Pakistan and why she stared Mama Baby Fund. As a midwife with the ICM, Julia and Neha talk about how to build resilience in communities affected by the climate crisis and the critical role that midwives have.]]> https://www.girlsglobe.org/2025/05/23/neha-mankani-midwifery-and-the-climate-crisis/feed/ 0 66577 https://www.girlsglobe.org/2025/05/05/protecting-woman-centred-care-in-a-world-of-crises-why-midwives-must-be-at-the-centre/ https://www.girlsglobe.org/2025/05/05/protecting-woman-centred-care-in-a-world-of-crises-why-midwives-must-be-at-the-centre/#respond Mon, 05 May 2025 09:15:42 +0000 https://www.girlsglobe.org/?p=66531 After the initial shock of a crisis — whether caused by conflict, climate change or natural disasters — daily life continues to unfold. Yet even as communities face devastation, life goes on. Pregnancies continue, and women and gender diverse people go into labour and give birth. A moment that should be joyful and safe turns frightening and uncertain, as giving birth becomes far more dangerous and unpredictable. More than half of maternal deaths worldwide occur in fragile and crisis-affected settings, making clear just how deadly these situations can be. 

At the same time, needs rise sharply. The demand for contraception, comprehensive abortion care and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increases, while access to these services often becomes limited or disappears entirely. Menstrual hygiene becomes harder to manage as products and safe facilities, including water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, become scarce. Unintended pregnancies and STIs increase due to the lack of barrier methods and heightened risk of sexual violence.]]> https://www.girlsglobe.org/2025/05/05/protecting-woman-centred-care-in-a-world-of-crises-why-midwives-must-be-at-the-centre/feed/ 0 66531 https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/11/11/what-does-a-trump-presidency-mean-for-global-reproductive-rights/ https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/11/11/what-does-a-trump-presidency-mean-for-global-reproductive-rights/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:37:11 +0000 https://www.girlsglobe.org/?p=66242 Donald Trump has now officially secured a second term as president of the United States. Many are still reeling from the news that a convicted felon and sexual abuser has been voted into the most powerful position in the country. And the US’ hold on global politics and media means that those of us outside of the country also feel the impact. 

As advocates for reproductive justice, we already know the damage that has and can be done by Trump. The Guttmacher Institute pulls no punches in stating that his election to president will “decimate” sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). 

The impact on US healthcare is being well-documented, but as a global fund dedicated to abortion, we want to look at the worldwide repercussions of a second Trump term.

We’re proud to be able to continue funding safe abortion work. 

Yesterday, we officially announced a new global funding call for organisations working to improve access to abortion. We are now offering grants to those in low- and middle-income countries – a total of 140 countries are eligible to apply.  

In the next few years, we are able to commit $18.5 million to abortion work. It is by no means enough to fix the funding crisis, but it goes a small way towards connecting and resourcing a powerful global movement of activists. 

As a global fund solely dedicated to safe abortion, we’re here to proudly support those fighting for a better world.]]> https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/11/11/what-does-a-trump-presidency-mean-for-global-reproductive-rights/feed/ 0 66242 https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/10/11/mushairat-mamun-usa-2/ https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/10/11/mushairat-mamun-usa-2/#respond Fri, 11 Oct 2024 11:56:10 +0000 https://www.girlsglobe.org/?p=66200&preview=true&preview_id=66200 Mushairat Mamun is a first-generation American Bangladeshi who was born and raised in Queens, New York.

At 17, she moved to Bangladesh to pursue her undergraduate degree, focusing on Public Health and Philanthropy. Throughout her early medical career, Mushairat played a crucial role in addressing challenges in Maternal Health in Bangladesh. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies in Atlanta, and is the first person in her family to pursue a career in medicine. 

In this episode, Mushairat Mamun discusses how, even as a child, she sought ways to learn through new challenges. She reflects on growing up in a community where health and medicine were rarely discussed, and making big decisions, like moving to Bangladesh to study and find her own sense of identity. She shares how she grew through friendships and storytelling, driven by a desire to learn more, do more, and pursue a field where she could help others.

Mushairat emphasizes the importance of discussing feelings, emotions, love, and relationships to support mental health, even when these topics are considered taboo. She highlights her experience speaking with women across all age groups, valuing the significance of hearing them discuss their health and bodies, and challenging long-standing cultural norms.

She encourages women to use their voices to advocate for themselves and others, engage in meaningful issues, and promote change. Her advice to women and girls is: “Find what challenges you and do what scares you the most. Once you learn to control that fear, you can unleash your true potential.”]]> https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/10/11/mushairat-mamun-usa-2/feed/ 0 66200 https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/09/10/discovering-the-strength-of-the-human-spirit/ https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/09/10/discovering-the-strength-of-the-human-spirit/#respond Tue, 10 Sep 2024 08:27:00 +0000 https://www.girlsglobe.org/?p=66073&preview=true&preview_id=66073 "Moments on my trip to East Africa offer a profound window into the lives of the women we support and the doctors who heal them.

In June 2024, I had the privilege of visiting our partners in Kenya and Tanzania along with other Fistula Foundation team members. My job as senior program manager involves reviewing grant reports from all the amazing partner organizations we fund. Observing and experiencing our partners’ work firsthand went beyond what any grant report has ever conveyed." 

writes Kee Rajagopal, Senior Program Manager, Fistula Foundation]]> https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/09/10/discovering-the-strength-of-the-human-spirit/feed/ 0 66073 https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/07/18/supporting-the-next-generation-of-adolescent-girl-advocates-women-delivers-emerging-leaders-program/ https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/07/18/supporting-the-next-generation-of-adolescent-girl-advocates-women-delivers-emerging-leaders-program/#comments Thu, 18 Jul 2024 08:03:00 +0000 https://www.girlsglobe.org/?p=66022&preview=true&preview_id=66022 "In a world where opportunities for girls are often restricted, Women Deliver is stepping up to support the next generation of adolescent girl advocates through its recently launched Emerging Leaders for Change Program. Recognizing adolescence as a pivotal period where girls' opportunities are frequently limited, the Emerging Leaders Program will sharpen our focus on improving the bodily autonomy of adolescent girls.

During adolescence, girls' choices and life paths can be significantly constrained by external forces. Many find their futures shaped by events they have little control over. However, with the right tools and support given at different life stages, girls can lead the charge in driving positive change for themselves and their communities.

Like many adolescent girls and young women around the world, I struggled to have open conversations with my peers on some of my experiences when it came to reproductive health." Christabel Netondo, East Africa Regional Advisor at Women Deliver shares more about Women Deliver's Emerging Leaders for Change Program and why it matters. ]]> https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/07/18/supporting-the-next-generation-of-adolescent-girl-advocates-women-delivers-emerging-leaders-program/feed/ 6 66022 https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/06/21/dr-joannie-marlene-bewa-md-phd-republic-of-benin-and-usa/ https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/06/21/dr-joannie-marlene-bewa-md-phd-republic-of-benin-and-usa/#respond Fri, 21 Jun 2024 08:47:56 +0000 https://www.girlsglobe.org/?p=66004&preview=true&preview_id=66004 Dr. Joannie Marlene Bewa, MD, PhD, is a physician, public health researcher, global advocate for girls and women's sexual and reproductive health, and the founder and CEO of DOTOH Health. She has over fifteen years of combined experience in global health, health policy, digital health, clinical care, research, international development and non-profits management. 

In this episode of The Power of Stories Podcast, Dr. Joannie Marlene Bewa discusses:

- how her own encounter with the health care system as a girl sparked her passion for health and how that evolved to her focus on sexual and reproductive health...

- volunteering in a community organization that was focusing on health, respecting cultural and social norms while also challenging them…

- beyond basic health care, the importance of health information, education, community engagement, awareness and the spectrum of preventative care…

- the importance of addressing health inequities…

- the encouragement and support of her parents, and the valuable lessons she learned from them about hard work and about why it is important to help others…

- setting up a nonprofit at age 21, the Young Beninese Leaders Association, successfully establishing partnerships with other nonprofits, and then receiving support from  First Lady Michelle Obama’s Young African Women Leaders Grant Program to scale up programs…

- the importance of making the right decision at the right time, and of being open to opportunities and not missing them…

- continuing her studies to become a medical doctor and then working for a Masters degree and a PhD…

- ensuring that all girls have access to quality education by removing the financial, cultural, social, and logistical barriers they face…

- the essential role of mentors and role models, and safe spaces where girls can express themselves freely without being judged…

- the need to see more women in politics and in leadership roles globally, and as medical doctors, engineers, astronaut, and journalists…

- and this encouragement for us all, “Believe in yourself, believe in your power, believe in your voice. Start somewhere because tomorrow starts today.”]]> https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/06/21/dr-joannie-marlene-bewa-md-phd-republic-of-benin-and-usa/feed/ 0 66004 https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/05/28/transforming-womens-nutrition-in-west-africa/ https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/05/28/transforming-womens-nutrition-in-west-africa/#respond Tue, 28 May 2024 13:35:48 +0000 https://www.girlsglobe.org/?p=65872&preview=true&preview_id=65872 At The Hunger Project, we facilitate individual and collective action to transform the systems of inequity that create hunger and cause it to persist. Gender inequality is one of the most deeply rooted inequities and is responsible for keeping millions of women and girls malnourished. Globally,  the gap between men’s and women’s hunger has widened, with food insecurity as of 2022 has been affecting 150 million more women than men. 

Malnutrition impacts girls' and women's health and wellbeing, reducing economic potential, new opportunities, and learning capacity. It reinforces gender inequality. 

To break this cycle of malnutrition, community leaders from around West Africa are working with The Hunger Project to improve maternal and early childhood nutrition and create thriving communities.]]> https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/05/28/transforming-womens-nutrition-in-west-africa/feed/ 0 65872 https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/05/22/solidarity-studio-habiba-mohamed-and-bwalya-chomba-on-obstetric-fistula-and-stories-of-hope/ https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/05/22/solidarity-studio-habiba-mohamed-and-bwalya-chomba-on-obstetric-fistula-and-stories-of-hope/#respond Wed, 22 May 2024 09:45:32 +0000 https://www.girlsglobe.org/?p=65826&preview=true&preview_id=65826 Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury. It leaves a woman incontinent, humiliated, and—all too often—shunned by her community. Surgery is the only cure.

Habiba Mohamed is the Regional Director of Programs in Africa and Bwalya Magawa Chomba is the Program Director for Zambia at Fistula Foundation. 

In the Solidarity Studio, they share stories of obstetric fistula, stories that have shifted their work to help end fistula.

Habiba and Bwalya also share an important call to action for us all to get engaged to end obstetric fistula. 

Available as a podcast and as a video with captions. ]]> https://www.girlsglobe.org/2024/05/22/solidarity-studio-habiba-mohamed-and-bwalya-chomba-on-obstetric-fistula-and-stories-of-hope/feed/ 0 65826