Dear Colleagues:
This week marks the fifth Black Maternal Health Week, officially recognized in 2021 in the U.S., and we join in support and solidarity with global advocates working with the United Nations to recognize April 11th as the International Day for Maternal Health and Rights. Last year I joined with WFN Board Member and Founder of I Be Black Girl, Ashlei Spivey in highlighting the need for specific support to Black maternal health as Black mothers are three times as likely to die from pregnancy related issues as white women in the United States.
“At the core, this is about ensuring Black women and birthing folks don’t just live through their birthing experience, but actually thrive. We deserve power and choice over our birthing experiences. When we center the voices, experiences, leadership, and solutions of Black women in maternal health, all women will benefit.”
Visit the Black Mamas Matter Alliance to learn more about their events this week, download their toolkit, and join us in supporting a global platform to advance policy grounded in a human rights framework, cultivate research, talent and knowledge that exits in Black communities, advance care for Black Mamas, and shift the cultural narrative to support all Black birthing people.
In solidarity,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Barajas-Román
Women’s Funding Network
President & CEO
Upcoming BMMA events:
Wednesday, April 13th | 1 – 2 P.M. EST Policy Leaders in Conversation during #BMHW22 REGISTER
Wednesday, April 13th | 3:30 P.M. EST #BMHW22 Tweet Chat
Thursday, April 14th | Annual Fundraising Day DONATE
Friday, April 15th | 2 – 3 P.M. EST BMH x CLTR: NATAL Fireside Chat REGISTER
Saturday, April 16th | Centering Black Families: BMMA x SisterSong Black Maternal Health Walk REGISTER
Sunday, April 17th | Get to Know the Alliance Spotlight Campaign