Coexistence, Midwives & Peace in the Middle East: Delivering Partnership & Understanding

This women's health project focuses on bringing together midwives from both sides of the Israeli and Palestinian conflict to share their commitment to their profession and to peace. Activities include:*

• Designing professional standards of practice for both Israeli and Palestinian midwives, incorporating the midwifery model of care and international best practices.
• Providing opportunities to expand midwife skill through shared trainings on professional development and public education on midwifery as a profession and practice.
• Promoting separate professional associations for midwives within Israel and Palestine, as well as a shared association for Israeli and Palestinian midwives.
• Drafting a strategy to lobby the Israeli Ministry of Health for Palestinian midwives to practice within Israel.
• Facilitating a dialogue among the parties involved in this conflict to work towards peaceful coexistence.

* COHI field staff are currently on the ground in the region exploring future gender-based violence programming.

Feedback from Infant Resuscitation Training Newsletter

"Bravo!

This is true midwifery spirit. We have to serve women wherever they are and whoever they are. I admire your courage because I can imagine what an initiative like this can entail in the part of the globe where you are trying to light a candle.

Please keep up the good work. You have given us hope that all is not lost.

The midwives of Pakistan join me in wishing you all the best."

Imtiaz Kamal
President, Midwifery Association of Pakistan