KABUL - The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated 2020 as the “International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife,” in honor of the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, Nightingale was a visionary nurse and leader.
International Year of the Nurse and Midwife organization (YONM) and Women in Global Health (WGH) nominated 100 outstanding nurse and midwife leaders across the world.
These nominees were selected and ranked by a steering committee with representatives from Women in WGH and partner organizations such as WHO, UNFPA, International Confederation of Midwives, and Nursing Now.
YONM in their website said, “amidst global pandemic, the courageous work of nurses and midwives deserves, more than ever to be honored, not just by applause” but to call on countries to invest in decent work and the social contract for nurses and midwives as part of their commitment to health.
The selection process included +300 nominees and +100 final nominees were selected to be featured.
Fortunately, 4 Afghan female health workers are also among the final nominees.
Shabana Halyen – Nurse
Shukriya Musafirzada- Midwife
Marufa Muradi – Nurse
Zahra Mirzaei- Midwife
The organization shared afghan nurses’ and midwives’ featured stories and work conditions to celebrate and be recognized.
The aim of this program is to call on nations to authorize midwife leadership in their countries, as YONM recognized on 71% of governments in the world announced chief nursery or midwife officer.
The first call of this organization is to include nurses and midwives in strategic decision makings, women make 70% of the global workforce, 80% are either nurses or midwives, but only 25% of them holds senior or leadership positions, the organization also calls on giving nurses and midwives more role.
As 20% of men work as nurses globally, healthcare around the world should support diversity in nursing and midwifery, the YONM organization stated.
As 35% of the world reports having measures to prevent attacks on health workers, YONM indicated all nurses and midwives should have decent work free from all types of violence, harassment, and bullying.
According to YONM As 28% are globally facing a gender pay gap, this organization calls on paying nurses and midwives fairly. (Khaama Press)