BRIDGE (Building Resilience in Digital Growth and Engagement) Programme
Midwives’ Associations (MAs) play a critical role in improving maternal and newborn health, particularly in underserved communities. In an increasingly digital world, their ability to communicate, advocate, and mobilise support online is essential. Through the BRIDGE (Building Resilience in Digital Growth and Engagement) programme, the International Confederation of Midwives and Lightful, with support from the Gates Foundation, are working with more than 25 Midwives’ Associations across Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, and South-East Asia to strengthen their digital presence and advocacy. Learn more about the first cohort from Africa.
BRIDGE provides tailored, hands-on support to help MAs develop practical digital skills to communicate their work, advocate for midwives’ rights, and engage their communities more effectively. At the start of the programme, most participating associations identified as being at an early stage of digital adoption. The programme responds to this by focusing on strategic storytelling, digital campaigning, and the use of accessible tools to support long-term sustainability, including fundraising and advocacy.
During the first six months, participating MAs were introduced to essential digital practices, many of which are already being integrated into their day-to-day work. The programme combines live webinars, one-to-one coaching, and self-paced learning through the Lightful Academy.
MAs also had the opportunity to apply for participation grants to improve internet access, purchase basic equipment, launch digital campaigns, or cascade storytelling skills so more midwives can contribute content to their websites. Engagement across the programme has been strong, and many associations are now continuing their learning through BRIDGE Advanced, a six-month follow-up course designed to further strengthen digital capacity and long-term resilience.
