Doctors Without Borders

On Wednesday May 29, 2024, members of the IOPDHR-GENEVA-NGO team had the opportunity to attend a lunch talk organized by the Swiss Press Club, in collaboration with the humanitarian organization Médecins Sans Frontières, on the captivating theme “Women and maternity in humanitarian and crisis contexts”.

 

During the discussion, various speakers addressed the many challenges facing women in humanitarian crisis situations. Whether in zones of armed conflict, regions affected by natural disasters or overcrowded refugee camps, women's maternity and reproductive health are often severely compromised.

Speakers highlighted major obstacles such as limited access to adequate healthcare, precarious hygiene conditions, malnutrition and increased risks of gender-based violence. These factors have devastating consequences for the health and well-being of pregnant women and mothers, as well as their newborn babies.

 

Beyond raising awareness, this event also highlighted the efforts of humanitarian organizations to improve care for women and mothers in these difficult contexts. Speakers shared concrete examples of initiatives to strengthen access to maternal healthcare, promote education and empower women, and guarantee their safety and dignity.

 

The discussion provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on ways of tackling these complex challenges, and to advocate concerted action on the part of the international community, governments and local organizations.