·Public relations and media engagement: A roundtable discussion meeting was
held at the press club to advocate for the midwifery profession. BMS explained
how midwives significantly reduce C-sections, maternal, and newborn mortality
rates through their services in remote areas of Bangladesh. The team requested
support from civil society and stakeholders to help recruit unemployed
midwives, not only in government but also in private hospitals. They also
emphasized the need for midwives to be placed in policy-level positions and
supported in further education and career development. The event received
coverage from two TV channels (Mohona TV and Bangla Vision) and 15 newspapers,
including Bhorer Kagoj, Dhaka Tribune, and Jaijai Din. ·Stakeholder
engagement: -BMS's Vice President, Secretary,
Treasurer, and Project Manager met with the Directorate General of DGNM to
discuss emerging issues in the midwifery program at the beginning of the year
2024. The DG expressed support and pledged to resolve the issues promptly. -A stakeholder meeting on May 9,
2024, included representatives from DGNM, BNMC, UNFPA, SIDA, BRAC, and others.
Faridah from ICM conducted a power mapping exercise. Other issues discussed
included upcoming actions and strategies. -On November 7, 2024, a stakeholder
meeting was held with private hospitals to advocate for creating midwifery
positions within these institutions. Despite low attendance, BMS presented the
SoP and Labor Room Protocol, urging hospitals to employ midwives in official
roles, as they are currently working as nurses. -By-monthly meetings took place with
UNFPA representatives focused on the 2024 annual work plan, membership drives,
IDM, the secretariat, and developing a global network. -Regular online meetings had held
with University of Hudderfield and Maternity Foundation to work in partnership
on leadership development of midwives. -During the AGM, BMS team visited the
TMSS nursing college and Hospital. BMS team interviewed the midwives at the
TMSS hospital and one of the Hospital directors to prepare an inspiring video
to encourage private hospitals to employ more midwives. Besides, BMS team tried
to build a strong relationship with the management of TMSS to get cooperation
and support from them in the development of the midwifery program. TMSS
management representatives were very supportive and cooperative to the BMS
team.