Gender Equality Resources

Through this joint statement, we call upon every midwife, nurse, doctor and other health worker in standing firm against the practice of FGM, and we reaffirm our support to every health professional – and to policymakers, health authorities and political and societal leaders – in implementing urgent, proactive actions that protect women and girls.

The Bill of Rights for Women and Midwives addresses the basic human rights of women and midwives that have been systematically denied and adds another framework to approach governments when demanding change to improve midwifery and maternity services.

This Guide provides a step-by-step approach to applying the Professional Framework for Midwifery to strengthen midwifery services, improve the quality of SRMNAH care, and support long-term health system improvements.

Every profession needs a structure to support it, strengthen it and guide its development, that includes all the elements required before an occupation can be considered a profession.

FIGO and ICM call upon OBGYNs and midwives at all levels of practice, in hospitals and communities to prioritise and actively engage in the following ways to ensure the provision of contraception to all.

Midwifery is based on a partnership between women and midwives with the goal of promoting health outcomes. Midwives should develop a partnership with women to actively share information and support women to actively participate in making decisions about their care.

In 2022, women's voices united through the What Women Want campaign, demanding respect and dignity in healthcare, prompting Honoring Women's Demands.

ICM advocates the reduction of gender inequalities and pay equity. Member associations should strive to implement funding models that recognise parity and promote equal pay for equal work.

FGM is a harmful practice that violates the human rights of girls and women. Midwives should not support FGM, and should work to eliminate it in their countries.

Everyone has the right to self-determination and the right to receive humanised, inclusive midwifery care regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Midwives have a critical role in providing compassionate, culturally safe care to LGBTIQ+ people.

Midwives need flexible working conditions and policies so that they can return to work as soon as it is appropriate for them after giving birth. These must enable a quality relationship with their newborn or infant, and support the right to breastfeed.

The human rights of women and children should be respected in all societies. This includes the prevention of violence against women and children. Midwives should support prevention strategies and programmes.