.png?sfvrsn=6d0e27cd_1 "Partnership for Change - v7 (1)")
By the International Confederation of Midwives
One investment unlocks four impacts: economic growth, health equity, gender equality and climate resilience. Grounded in global evidence, this brief shows how investing in midwives unlocks impact and sets out clear actions for policymakers, funders and advocates to take now. The International Confederation of Midwives is excited to unveil the brief at a high-level event during the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP).
Why this brief matters
In the face of growing polycrises — geopolitical instability, economic disruption and climate change — countries need solutions that are proven, affordable and scalable. Midwives meet that test. Educated and regulated to ICM standards, they can deliver up to 90% of essential sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn and adolescent health services (SRMNAH), reach underserved communities, reduce unnecessary interventions and lower out‑of‑pocket costs.
Four impacts at a glance:
Economic growth: Woman-centred midwifery models of care are budget-smart. They reduce costly overmedicalisation, free resources for primary care, and deliver up to 16× ROI; closing the women’s health gap with midwives could add ~US$1T/year by 2040 through healthier families, higher productivity and lower health-system costs.
Health equity: Midwifery models of care expand last‑mile access and out‑of‑pocket costs, these models improve quality and dignity of care. Continuity of midwife care strengthens primary care links, shortens referral paths, and supports faster progress toward UHC—especially in underserved and humanitarian settings.
Gender equality: Investing in a ~93% women workforce advances pay equity, creates leadership pathways, and builds safer, more respectful workplaces. Backing midwives also elevates women’s voices in policy and research, addresses gender data gaps, and boosts women’s economic participation—driving broader gains for families and communities.
Climate resilience: Community‑based, low‑carbon care reduces travel and system waste, limits emissions, and sustains SRMNAH services before, during and after shocks. Equipping midwives with training, supplies and decision‑making roles in emergency plans helps health services stay available, equitable and efficient as climate risks intensify.
The brief distils the evidence behind each pillar and sets out clear actions to act now.
Take action
Join the global movement putting woman‑centred care front and centre, and add your name to the petition calling on global leaders to grow, support and sustain the midwifery workforce. Together we will put midwives in policy, leadership and budgets — and unlock economic growth, health equity, gender equality and climate resilience.
Join the PUSH Campaign
Sign and share the One Million More Midwives petition
Special thanks to our partner on this project, Global Health Visions. This evidence brief is the result of the work of many experts and collaborators who generously contributed their time and expertise to ensure it is comprehensive and practical. We thank American University of Beirut – Women’s Institute for Sexual Health; Center for Reproductive Rights; Data2X; Direct Relief; Engender Health; Forum for Women Development and Research (WRA Pakistan); FP2030; Gates Foundation; Guttmacher Institute; International Rescue Committee; Likhaan Center for Women’s Health; Lund University; Médecins Sans Frontières; PMNCH; Women Deliver; and UNFPA.