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Description
During the COVID-19 pandemic, measures are being introduced into maternity care in Croatia that are not based on evidence or on the recommendations of global medical organisations. This project will strengthen Roda’s watchdog capacities, to advocate for the implementation of evidence-based guidelines in maternity care. The project’s objective is to strengthen Roda’s position as a watchdog CSO in the field of women’s reproductive rights during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and to empower women to advocate for their rights in the healthcare system. The activities are: A1. Qualitative research, analysis of the situation and guidelines and preparation of thematic report, A2. Advocacy activities towards institutions in order to ensure evidence-based maternity care, A3. Result dissemination. The project contributes to the impact Strengthened advocacy/watchdog role of CSOs and other expected impacts Increased support for human rights and Increased democratic culture, civic awareness and engagement. The target groups are the Ministry of Health of Croatia, professional organisations in the field of maternity care, CSOs active in the field of women’s rights, women and the media. The Ministry of Health is slow to receive and adapt to and further communicate information on new evidence-based practices and must be regularly informed about, and used as a tool to advocate for changes in professional guidelines. Women of reproductive age will be empowered to actively participate. Alongside Roda, 15 other CSOs that are active in the field of women’s rights, but are not well-versed on these specific areas, will improve their capacity as watchdog CSOs in the area of implementing professional guidelines in maternity care during the pandemic. The Ombudswoman for Gender Equality is a project partner and will use the power of her office to advocate for these issues, which are often only considered medical issues, to also be considered through the lens of women’s human rights.
Summary of project results
As part of the project implementation, a package of recommendations was developed within the Thematic Report and the development of an Action Plan for Women''s Health was proposed. At least 15 associations have data from the Thematic Report that they can use for advocacy.
In coordination with the Gender Equality Ombudsperson, a letter was sent to the Ministry of Health and the Croatian Institute of Public Health regarding escorting childbirth during the COVID-19 virus epidemic. In the letter, the Ombudsperson recommends the development of a special instruction for health care institutions which would define the protocol of their actions in relation to escorting mothers (and other patients) or to point out recommended practice to health care institutions that completely prohibit escort.
Also, the Global Group on Dignified Maternal Care (GRMCC), composed of 150 organizations from around the world that protect women''s reproductive rights, submitted a petition on 31 August 2020 to the Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls in the Laws and Practices of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. rights, entitled “Sexual and Reproductive Rights of Women and Girls in Crisis Situations”.
Three infographics with key messages were made, distributed through social networks.
There were 23 press releases, one press conference was held and one cross-sectoral cooperation was achieved.
The public presentation of the Thematic Report at the online conference was held in front of about 70 participants with a live stream.