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The importance of a woman as a mother in every family and society is invaluable. Today, as you read this, I invite you to celebrate your mother and think about her life from the time you were in her womb. I also request all readers, both women and men, to become advocates for safer and more respectful motherhood in Nepal and around the world.

Every year, on 11th April, India observes National Safe Motherhood Day so that citizens, communities and other stakeholders take a pause and deliberate on the maternal health situation in the country and look at what interventions are working and what more is needed to be done.

The National Health Bill will see an increased proportion of the national budget spent on health. However, it also contains some dangerous clauses.

It is crucial for midwives to understand women’s right to respectful maternity care and why it is so important for women’s rights to be respected during birth. Disrespect and abuse during childbirth cannot be eliminated without the engagement of midwives.

Samjhana Phuyal, 28, is a social worker and programme officer at the Rural Women's Development and Unity Centre, and a member of the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood