'Strong midwifery associations are the key to improved healthcare for mothers and babies': Kathy Herschderfer celebrates her first six months as ICM Secretary General with a review of ICM activity and a confirmed conviction that midwives matter in the world.

• Auteur: Herschderfer, Kathy

Although my previous work as co-chair of the ICM Research Standing Committee had provided me with some insight into the many activities that the ICM routinely undertakes, after six months as Secretary General of this amazing organisation, I cannot escape the feeling of awe which comes over me as I am dealing with the quantity and quality of work we carry out.

I am also equally awed by the commitment to the ICM global arms and goals of so many people. These include the members of the Board of Management, the Regional Representatives, the staff at Headquarters, the key people in our member associations and partner organisations, and many other individuals. I have been privileged to have met, worked and corresponded with many persons throughout the world who believe that strong midwifery associations are the key to world-wide improvement of health care for mothers and their babies.

As you all know, the ICM is very active in the global arena. This increasing activity and participation in setting policy and strategy at international levels have resulted in a steep rise in awareness among international organisations and donor agencies about the scope of midwifery practice and its impact on the improvement of maternal and child health.

As a membership organisation, we are fortunate to have a steady supply of 'success stories' from our regions and individual member associations, which we are more than willing to present as living examples of what midwives can achieve. These vivid examples can sometimes make a difference when discussing the involvement of midwives in global, regional or national initiatives.

I sincerely hope that this very valuable source of information will continue and that you will keep us up to date on any activities being carried out. Please continue to send news and reports for publication in International Midwifery and in turn we will keep you informed of our progress through this journal.

International Day of the Midwife

The International Day of the Midwife 2004 was celebrated on May, 5. On pages 30-31 in this issue you can read how two of our member associations, the Midwives' Association of Malta and the Ethiopian Midwives Association, celebrated this special day along with colleagues from other health professions, partner organisations and, above all, with the women for whom a strong midwifery service is crucial. They are examples to all of us how we can make a difference and I hope that they will be a source of...