Tuesday 5 May 2026 is International Day of the Midwife and we want to share and celebrate amazing midwives: present, and future.
The theme for this year’s day is ‘One Million More Midwives’. One million midwives is the estimated workforce needed globally to meet essential health needs. Behind that number are real people, real communities, and real opportunities to transform care. We hear from some of these midwives about what International Day of the Midwife means to them and the importance of strong leadership for the profession.
“I chose to study midwifery because I am passionate about supporting women and their families through some of the most special, yet often frightening, moments of their lives. Being able to offer reassurance, guidance, and compassionate care gives me a strong sense of purpose. Studying at UEL has taught me what pivotal role midwives play in women’s health as a whole, not only maternity. Choosing this path feels like a meaningful way to contribute to positive change by helping to keep women safe, informed, and confident as they welcome their babies into the world.
Leadership is a skill that I believe exists within all of us, it simply needs to be refined through imagination and action. A good leader can listen, reflect, and innovate, ensuring that everyone feels included and valued. By motivating people to support each other and inspire ideas, leadership helps bring about meaningful change. At UEL we are taught that even as students, leadership is about taking responsibility and helping to create a positive environment where progress can be made for the benefit of everyone involved.
International Day of the Midwife is a special opportunity to showcase and celebrate the hard work that midwives do every day. It helps to raise awareness of a role that goes far beyond hospital settings and common misconceptions such as simply “cuddling babies.” This year’s theme is particularly important to me as someone currently studying at UEL to join the midwifery workforce. The world is short of more than one million midwives, which means over one million women and babies are at risk of poorer outcomes. This is something we urgently need to address.
I am proud to be part of this campaign in my role as a student midwife from UEL. London is incredibly diverse and the university allows me to learn right from the heart of the community. Knowing that once I qualify, that number will reduce to 999,999 makes me feel valued, purposeful, and reassured that I am playing a part in creating positive change and making a real difference.”
Ria Siôbhan Betts, student midwife, University of East London
“To me, leadership is about lifting others up, truly listening, taking meaningful action, and inspiring confidence in both colleagues and the families we care for. As a Florence Nightingale Foundation Scholar, I am inspired to lead with purpose and create positive change. International Day of the Midwife celebrates the dedication, compassion, and impact of midwives everywhere.”
Sam Knights, Community Midwife, Team Leader, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
“As a Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Midwife, I am privileged to work alongside women at critical moments in their lives. The Florence Nightingale Foundation scholarship strengthened my confidence to intentionally lead change and advocate for improved care outcomes for perinatal women who experience social complexities. My passion for this work is deeply personal. I grew up in a fostering household, where compassion and inclusion shaped my values and inspired my commitment to support vulnerable families.
Through the scholarship, I was also able to complete a PG Certificate in Transforming and Leading in Healthcare. I have since commenced Doctoral research that is focused on improving perinatal mental health outcomes, for women experiencing social complexities. My commitment is inspired by my Mother. She was an exceptional role model whose leadership and compassion transformed the lives of vulnerable families and continues to guide my purpose as a Midwife to date. The FNF scholarship helped me find my voice. It strengthened my confidence as a compassionate and courageous leader. Since completing the scholarship, I have contributed to national work. I also became a Nursing Awards 2025 Midwife of the Year Finalist. Midwifery is not simply my profession – it is part of who I am.”
Melissa Griffin, Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Midwife, University Hospitals Birmingham
