Programme
Approximately two to three weeks prior to the conferences, delegates who have paid their conference fees will receive an email prompting them to select the specific workshops they wish to attend. Please note that due to space limitations, registration for workshops will be mandatory.
7 November 2024
8 November 2024
9 November 2024
ICM’s regional conferences will offer a series of workshops over three days. Day One and Day Two will focus on workshops that engage midwives to build their organisations – be these national midwives’ associations, regional and local branches, or student organisations. Each day will feature three blocks of workshops, which will be repeated to ensure that delegates have the opportunity to attend all sessions. Additionally, poster presentation sessions will be held during the lunch breaks on these days.
WS 1 – How (anyone) can use data to advocate for midwives
Advocacy for midwives and maternal health is most successful when it is powered by data. However, it is often difficult to find verified, credible information. This workshop will introduce participants to the power of the Global Midwives’ Hub, the information it holds, and how to use it for data-driven advocacy. It’s also an opportunity to share your advocacy success stories and midwifery data needs with ICM and shape the future of the Hub.
WS 2 – Stronger midwives’ associations for healthier women and babies
Evidence shows that strong and sustainable midwives’ associations help grow the profession, which means that mothers and babies have better outcomes. But, MAs need sustained funding and investment from different sources.
This workshop will introduce participants to the ‘Why Invest in Midwives’ Associations Policy Brief, which outlines who, how and why invest in MAs.
WS 3 – Making Midwife Models of Care Work
Continuity of Midwife Care produces the best outcomes for women and their babies. However, midwives need an enabling environment to deliver continuity of midwife care effectively.
This workshop will enable participants to explore continuity of midwife care and the enabling environment that is necessary, including concepts such as autonomy, accountability, policy, integration, continuity, and midwife-led birthing centres.
WS 4 – Every midwife is a leader
Midwives and midwifery associations are often left out of formal decision-making spaces. This means midwives must often bring their own chairs to decision-making tables, and raise their voices to even be considered.
This workshop will introduce participants to different ways midwives can and should lead: formally, informally, cross-generationally, and more.
WS 5 – Midwives: Essential humanitarian responders
During and after a disaster there are almost always interruptions in reproductive and maternity services. Midwives are uniquely positioned, but not always prepared, to quickly mobilise and provide essential care for women and babies.
This workshop will present humanitarian response tools available to midwives through the experiences of others who have responded to these crises.
WS 6 – Good governance and healthy finances for midwives’ associations
Running a midwives’ association, be it national, regional or for students, requires a skill set that midwives are often not taught or mentored in. These skills are essential for the success of the MA, which in turn is essential for the growth of a strong profession.
This workshop will guide participants through critical, but often missing topics such as good governance, financial management and membership engagement.
Day Three will offer half- and full-day midwife practice skills workshops, covering a variety of topics, organised by ICM and its partners. The list of workshops will be regularly updated, so be sure to check back for new additions!