On March 8 the world celebrates International Women’s Day, an occasion dedicated to recognizing women’s social, economic, and political achievements, as well as a time to reflect on the ongoing challenges related to gender equality and rights. On this occasion, we want to celebrate the incredible women we work with across sub-Saharan Africa and honor their unwavering commitment to supporting and serving women in need.
Meet a few of the inspiring women we’re spotlighting on International Women’s Day.
Magdalen Awor – CUAMM Midwife and tutor at Rumbek Health Science Institute, South Sudan
Born in Uganda, Magdalen became a midwife in 2008. She has been living in South Sudan for more than 10 years where she serves as midwife and tutor at Rumbek Health Institute.
South Sudan is not only one of the leading country in terms of maternal mortality but also one with the lowest literacy rate among girls. Magdalen is a highly motivated and passionate professionist who spends her life and competencies where it is needed most. Deeply committed to her work, she in on the frontline of maternal and newborn care.
«When I enter the class, when I support these girls in their clinical practice, I see a future for this country. By educating and training girls we empower them while also contributing to assist women in the delicate and way too often life-threatening moment of delivery».
The Rumbek Health Science Institute in Lake State trains both midwives and nurses for a total of some 320 students enrolled in the first year. CUAMM supports the institute since 2020, some xxx students have graduated at the insitute ever since.
Loide Cambisano – CUAMM Project Manager in Shinyanga, Tanzania
Born and raised in Italy, in 2023 Loide started working with CUAMM in Iringa region, Tanzania. Today she leads a project focused on HIV, youth and adolescents in Shinyanga District.
«Stigma, prejudice and discrimination related to HIV do have a huge impact on the life of young people and adolescents resulting in behaviors such as withholding help, avoidance and coercive treatment. Women and young girls living with HIV are no doubt those most likely to experience HIV-related stigma».
The rate of child-marriage, early pregnancy and gbv cases in Shinyanga District is above the national average. Consensus, sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence and stigma are the topics often discussed in sensitization sessions promoted by CUAMM and held both within communities and schools. In addition, screening activities and psyco-social support is being provided to young people living with HIV in Shinyanga district.
Germana Tuitileni – CUAMM Assistant at Casa de espera in Chiulo, Angola
Germana Tuitileni is a pillar at casa de espera, the maternal waiting home at Chiulo Hospital, Angola. Everyone knows her.
She has been working here since the opening of this space, back in 2012. Although she is not a professional midwife, she supports and assists women in the days that preceed the delivery engaging them in sensitization acitivities on sexual and reproductive health, nutrition and most importantly on the importance of seeking care during pregnancy and delivery.
«Every day I am here to support these women. I talk to them about the importance of being at casa de espera and give birth safely because I know that they will spread the word to other community members and more women will do the same».
The Maternal Waiting home (MWH) – casa de espera in portuguese, is a low-cost yet effective introduction to care for pregnant women in the late stages of their pregnancy therefore ensure assisted and safe delivery. Pregnant women with at-risk pregnancy come to this safe space when their due date is approaching. Here, they can be monitored by health professionals and easily access the hospital in case of emergency.
In 2023 more than 2,000 deliveries were assisted at Chiulo Hospital including 167 C-section. The work Germana does for pregnant women in Angola is key to promote their well-being and reduce pregnancy-related complications. By educating these women, Germana is empowering their whole communities while also contributing to reducing the maternal mortality rate which is 222 out of 1000,000 deliveries in Angola.
