A Letter to Young Midwives from a YML Alumni
Dear young midwives,
The concept of leadership has been central to my professional journey so far, dating back to my time as a student midwife. While I initially lacked a formal understanding of what leadership entailed, I instinctively recognised the need for change. In Haiti, my home country, midwives have long aspired to a future where their voices are heard, and their contributions to maternal health are valued.
Throughout my career, I have observed how midwives are often excluded from advocacy forums where decisions about healthcare policies are made. In many places, midwives are marginalised, and their voices are missing from critical discussions on sexual and reproductive health. Yet, I have also seen how powerful our leadership can be when we step into these spaces.
As a young Haitian midwife and active member of my national midwives’ association, I have been fortunate to represent my peers on international platforms, such as the IPPF regional forum and the C20 summit. Each of these opportunities taught me something important about advocacy and the role midwives play in shaping the future.
At the IPPF forum, I collaborated with other leaders to address sexual and reproductive health challenges in Haiti as the youth representative of the Haitian Midwives Association. I shared how midwives ensure access to services during political unrest and discussed ways to involve young people in organisational decision-making.
However, it was at the C20 summit that I truly felt the power of collective advocacy. I spoke about how Haiti’s political crisis impacts sexual and reproductive health and rights, exacerbating gender-based violence and limiting access to maternity services. That moment—calling on global leaders to stand in solidarity with Haiti—was a milestone, not just for me, but for Haitian midwives and our country. Our advocacy resulted in a statement condemning violence and urging international leaders to take action.
These experiences have reinforced my belief in the transformative potential of midwifery leadership. When midwives take on leadership roles, we drive change locally and globally, ensuring that our voices are heard, and that maternal and reproductive health becomes and remains a priority.
Building the Next Generation of Leaders
To truly uplift midwifery, we must support young midwives in stepping into leadership roles. To do this, midwives’ associations and midwives themselves must purposely design programmes and ways to include and engage young midwives. This can include special forums for young midwives at events, specialised membership groups for young midwives in professional associations, or simply encouraging young midwives to take on more responsibility and leadersip in their work.
Programmes like the ICM’s Young Midwife Leader (YML) Programme are a great example of how dedicated spaces can help young leaders develop their skills. I learned through my involvement with this platform that young leaders bring a unique perspective—one that is crucial for shaping the future of midwifery.
Leadership opportunities, big and small, must be accessible to all midwives, regardless of gender, financial resources, geographical location, or age. It is critical to create both physical and virtual spaces where young midwives can connect, collaborate, and engage without facing barriers like language or logistical challenges.
When young midwives are given the opportunity to lead, they bring diverse perspectives that enrich our profession and strengthen policies sensitive to local needs. I have seen young midwives challenge outdated practices, introduce fresh ideas, and build bridges between communities and healthcare systems. Our contributions are vital to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
As midwives, we are uniquely positioned to advocate for women, families, and communities. We understand the challenges they face and the resources they need. Advocacy begins with recognising the value of your own voice and the power it holds to inspire change.
Throughout my leadership journey, I have faced challenges, but I have also been fortunate to receive support from organisations like the Haitian Midwives Association and ICM. They helped me see the potential I had as a young leader. These organisations play a crucial role in developing the skills, confidence, and networks needed to succeed.
To midwives’ associations and other professional organisations: I urge you to create and expand opportunities for midwives to lead. Include young midwives in decision-making processes, advocacy initiatives, and leadership programmes. I assure you, investing in these spaces will be worth it—young midwives bring fresh perspectives, innovation, and passion that can shape a stronger, more inclusive future for midwifery.
A Call to Action to Young Midwives
Young midwives, I know it is challenging. Sometimes doors are closed, and the path forward feels uncertain. But I urge you to engage in leadership.
Leadership doesn’t have to start on a big stage. It starts small – when you are a student working with, and then leading a group in university. It can grow in the hospital or clinic, where you work to improve care practices. It can flourish in your midwives’ association, where you support your colleagues and represent their voices.
The key is to be brave enough to step into spaces where decisions are being made. These spaces are where we can make the biggest difference—not just for ourselves, but for midwives everywhere.
We all have to start somewhere, and the best moment to start is today. Take that first step, no matter how small. I am excited to see the incredible things we can achieve together.
Yours sincerely,
