International Day of the Midwife
| International Day of the Midwife | |
|---|---|
 Social media graphic for the 2023 International Day of the Midwife | |
| Observed by | International Confederation of Midwives |
| Date | 5 May |
| Next time | 5 May 2024 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First time | 1992 |
The International Day of the Midwife is annually celebrated on 5 May, and was established in 1992 by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) to celebrate and raise awareness about the midwifery profession.[1][2][3]: 69, 70
The occasion is observed by over 50 nations around the world,[2][4] as well as international organizations such as the WHO and UNFPA.[5][6][7] A theme is chosen every year. For instance, the 2023 theme was "Together again: from evidence to reality".[4][8] Social media graphics packages were distributed by the ICM to encourage online advocacy.[9]
The events of the celebration often include seminars and social gatherings for midwives, among other activities. For example, the 2011 celebration in Malta included a five-kilometer public demonstration from Pietà to St. Julian's to raise public awareness, followed by a seminar about lactation and skin care for new mothers, and a "wine-and-dine" social event.[10] In the 2023 celebration in Maryland County, Liberia, the midwives met with local schoolchildren.[11] The events are sometimes held remotely via video conference.[4] On 5 May 2022, the Bristol and Belfast city halls lit up in berry and tangerine, the colors of the Royal College of Midwives, to mark the occasion.[4][12]
References
- ^ "The Important Role of Midwives Highlighted During HMC Organized International Day of the Midwife Celebrations". Al Bawaba. 7 May 2018. Archived from the original on 13 May 2019.
- ^ a b "Celebrate International Day of the Midwife!". North American Registry of Midwives. 4 May 2023. Archived from the original on 28 May 2023.
- ^ Varney, Helen; Kriebs, Jan M.; Gegor, Carolyn L. (2004). Varney's Midwifery (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning. ISBN 9780763718565.
- ^ a b c d "International Day of the Midwife 2023: When is it, theme, and how to join virtual Day of the Midwife event". Edinburgh Evening News. 5 May 2023. Archived from the original on 17 May 2023.
- ^ "International Day of the Midwife". UNFPA. 5 May 2023. Archived from the original on 18 May 2023.
- ^ "Celebrating International Day of the Midwife". WHO. 5 May 2021. Archived from the original on 11 March 2023.
- ^ "International Day of the Midwife, 5 May 2021". WHO Africa. 5 May 2021. Archived from the original on 28 May 2023.
- ^ "Wonder Women: International Day of the Midwife — we need more midwives". Whanganui Chronicle. 1 May 2023. Archived from the original on 11 May 2023.
- ^ "International Day of the Midwife 2023: What is this year's theme?". Yahoo Lifestyle. 5 May 2023. Archived from the original on 6 May 2023.
- ^ "International Day of the Midwife". Times of Malta. 22 May 2011. Archived from the original on 28 May 2023.
- ^ "Maryland Midwives Celebrate International Day of Midwife". The New Dawn. 8 May 2023. Archived from the original on 18 May 2023.
- ^ "Belfast City Hall lit up for IDM 2022". Royal College of Midwives. 5 May 2022. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023.