Lend a Hand to Mothers Around the World
Posted by Paula Goldman on Thu, Apr 12, 2007, 6:57 pm PDT
When I began research for the International Museum of Women’s Motherhood exhibit, I talked with mothers from all walks of life -- from working mothers in Lagos, Nigeria to stay-at-home moms in San Francisco.
Mostly, I was not surprised by what I found. Whether in Miami or Mozambique, almost all mothers struggle to find balance between providing for their kids and pursuing their own personal dreams. …And almost all mothers will tell you that motherhood is sometimes grueling and exhausting -- but one of the best gifts of their life.
One story I found, however, did shock me. It’s the story about global maternal health -- a silent pandemic that is killing millions of mothers and children every year, needlessly.
Every year, 14.4 million mothers and infants die from complications of pregnancy and childbirth. That’s close to 40,000 deaths per day -- over 1600 an hour, and more than 26 per minute. Most of these deaths happen in the developing world, and most of them are preventable with technologies that have been available for decades. (By way of reference, AIDS kills 2.9 million people every year -- so maternal health is a massive problem, and worthy of our rapt attention.)
As Mother’s Day approaches this year, women from around the globe are joining forces to raise awareness about this tragedy. We want to turn this situation around to ensure healthy pregnancies and deliveries for all mothers and children.
Will you join us? Here are several easy ways you can make a difference for mothers around the world:
1. Educate yourself:
Right now, at the International Museum of Women’s Motherhood exhibit, we feature rare inspiring, and educational stories from women around the world who have faced maternal health problems with courage and strength. Meet Halima from Nigeria -- who had a child at fifteen, and suffered devastating childbirth injuries as a result, but who is now fully recovered. Meet Shashu from Ethiopia -- who helps deliver babies in villages where no doctors exist.
Click here to enjoy the best of stories and films from around the world. After you learn how maternal health affects women everywhere, please help us spread the word by sending a link of the exhibit to your friends!
2. Donate:
There are tons of cheap, effective solutions that prevent maternal and infant deaths. For example, if you have $50, you can help buy a Lifewrap -- a tool that prevents mothers from bleeding to death from obstetric hemorrhage after giving birth. Fifty dollars can help save the lives of as many as fifty mothers!
For a list of places to donate and organizations doing great work on maternal health, click here.
3. Join the campaign:
At the end of 2007, the Global Women’s Action Network for Children will launch a large global campaign to dramatically raise public awareness about the tragedy of preventable maternal and infant mortality. Sign up now to be part of it and to lend your voice to this urgent cause.
And if you’re looking for something special to do for Mother’s Day…
4. Give the Gift of Membership:
Chances are, your mother is an extraordinary woman who has left quite a legacy. Honor that legacy by buying her a membership at the International Museum of Women. Inscribe her name as a supporter of an institution that makes sure all women globally can live their best lives. She'll enjoy the special benefits, gifts, and exhibits -- but more importantly, she'll be touched by your recognition of the very special life she has led. |
