Description
The project addresses the failure of the relevant NGOs to be involved in policy-making in the area of maternal health due to their weak organizational capacity, insufficient skills and lack of long-term planning. The project aims at boosting the NGO capacity for advocacy and involvement in policy making on maternal health. First, 25 NGO staff, activists and reporters will attend a 2-day seminar on advocacy and organizing advocacy campaigns. Second, 5 reports will be prepared on maternal health rights, good care and good practices. Third, 25 civil sector representatives will be trained in NGO planning, funding and organization of initiatives. Fourth, arrangements for informal coalition for advocacy for maternal health will be made. Finally, an advocacy strategy on maternal health will be prepared. The project will benefit the relevant NGOs, activists, reporters and the public in general. The partner will contribute with its experience, knowledge, contacts and experts - volunteers.
Summary of project results
The project was needed because maternal healthcare in Bulgaria needs an overall reform with the adoption of a new philosophy for care and a policy promoting respect for the human and civil rights of mothers and babies. NGOs working in the area of maternal health have failed to be recognized as an equal partner in decision-making on institutional level. The main goal has been achieved, that is to raise the contribution of NGOs working in the area of maternal health to policy-making and decision-making on institutional level. A strategy was developed for advocacy activities that will set the priorities, focus and channel the efforts of CSOs. An informal coalition was set up to bring together the voices and resources of the individual organizations to achieve an efficient impact on the institutions, professional organizations and medical establishments. The planned result to raise the capacity of the participating organizations and activists was achieved. The project directed the efforts towards joint, united activities and long-term planning. 25 experts from 10 NGOs were trained. 7 NGOs and 12 people set up in the early 2016 Coalition for Maternal Healthcare. The conference to present the network to the medical establishment and the public in April 2016 was attended by two leading OG specialists, a representative of the Bulgarian Association of Healthcare Professionals, more than 10 midwives, more than 10 doulas, activists, parents and reporters. A team of volunteers developed the Manual Guide on Physiologic Childbirth covering not only the rights and the genera philosophy of midwife care but also practical tips for women in labour and scientific arguments. The 500 copies of the manual were disseminated and out of stock at the very presentation. For more information and access to the project products, please, visit:
http://maternitycare-bg.org/ and
http://www.rodilnitza.com/blog/headline/project-rights-in-childbirth/
Summary of bilateral results