Announcing the Launch of the Midwife Leaders Executive Sponsorship Programme
ICM is proud to launch the Midwife Leaders Executive Sponsorship Programme, a new initiative designed to strengthen midwifery leadership around the world. As the healthcare landscape evolves, strong and effective leadership is essential to ensure midwives can meet the growing and changing needs of women, girls and newborns. This 24-month programme supports both emerging and existing midwife leaders, helping to advance sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn and adolescent health (SRMNAH) while safeguarding the future of the midwifery profession.
What Is the Programme?
The Midwife Leaders Executive Sponsorship Programme pairs early-career or emerging midwife leaders (sponsees) with executive sponsors with senior leaders at executive, ministerial or organisational level (sponsors) – for a structured, two-year partnership.
Together, they engage in:
- Mentorship and guidance
- Networking and visibility
- Career development
- Skill-building
Sponsees gain access to new opportunities, while sponsors benefit from the insights of rising talent and the chance to help shape the future of the profession.
Who Can Participate
Sponsees
Midwives who are in early or developing leadership roles can apply to join the programme as sponsees. These participants will be matched with experienced executive sponsors who will support their professional growth over the course of the 24-month programme.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold a leadership position in any setting
- Be a registered member of an ICM member association (MA)
- Provide a letter of support from their MA
Sponsees will benefit from mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to new professional networks and opportunities.
Executive Sponsors
Executive sponsors are senior leaders committed to supporting the next generation of midwife leaders through mentorship, advocacy and strategic support. They will be paired with a sponsee whose goals and context align with their own expertise.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold a senior leadership position at an executive, ministerial or organisational level in midwifery or maternal healthcare
- Have experience in leadership, mentorship, and advocacy
- Be willing to commit to bi-monthly (every other month) meetings with their matched participant, as well as twice-yearly programme check-ins with ICM
Why This Matters
By building strong connections between today’s leaders and the next generation, the Midwife Leaders Executive Sponsorship Programme helps ensure that midwives are equipped to lead health systems, shape policy, and deliver high-quality, person-centred care in every context.
Leadership doesn’t happen in isolation—it grows through mentorship, collaboration and the sharing of lived experience. This programme creates space for that growth, while contributing to stronger health systems and better outcomes for women, newborns and families.
Whether you are an emerging leader seeking guidance or an experienced professional ready to give back, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of midwifery.
Apply Now
Applications for both roles are now open. The deadline to apply is 17 May 2025, and the programme will begin on 30 June 2025.
