The day, which has been observed since 1991 is organised by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) to raise awareness of the important job midwives do and the care they provide in your community.  

Around 340,000 women die each year due to maternal causes, while thousands more women suffer from disabilities and infections as a result. These could help to be prevented with more funding and awareness of the important job midwives do, and you can show your solidarity by taking part in the day.

The theme for 2016 is ‘Women and Newborns: The Heart of Midwifery’.