At Near East University, which ranks among the top 500 universities in the world, the vital role of midwifery in maternal, infant, and community health was discussed. Under the theme “One Million Midwives”, the future of the profession, its societal impact, and its transformative power were assessed through scientific presentations.

Midwives undertake vital responsibilities in a wide range of areas, from maternal and infant health to the protection of public health. The “Beyond Numbers, At the Center of Life: One Million Midwives” event, organized by the Midwifery Department of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Near East University, highlighted the critical role of midwifery in the healthcare system, addressing its present and future from various perspectives. The International Confederation of Midwives’ (ICM) theme of “One Million More Midwives” for 2026 was one of the main topics of the event.

The event, held at the İrfan Günsel Congress Center with high participation, included presentations by the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Near East University, Prof. Dr. Adile Öniz Özgören, Founding President of the Anatolian Midwives Association (AED), Specialist Midwife Nesibe Üzel, Assoc. Prof. İlknur Münevver Gönenç from the Midwifery Department of Ankara University, and faculty members and students from the midwifery department of Kyrenia American University participated in the event. The opening speech was given by Assoc. Prof. Filiz Yarıcı, Head of the Midwifery Department at Near East University.

The “Fetoscope Handover Ceremony” held during the event was one of the most meaningful moments of the program. In the ceremony, symbolizing the responsibility and professional legacy of midwifery passed down from generation to generation, 4th-year midwifery student Cansu Düz handed over the fetoscope to 1st-year student Ceren Dilber. This symbolic handover emphasized the importance of passing on the knowledge, experience, and values of the profession to new generations, and participants witnessed this meaningful bridge built between the strong past and future of midwifery. The program once again reminded everyone of the indispensable role of midwifery in public health.

A Strong Legacy from the Past, a Dynamic Profession!

In her opening speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Yarıcı emphasized that midwifery is a deeply rooted and indispensable profession that addresses health of women, family, and community health with a holistic approach, not just the birthing process. She said, “Midwives play a key role not only in protecting maternal and infant health but also in ensuring the sustainability of public health.” Highlighting the continuous transformation of the midwifery profession alongside scientific advancements, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yarıcı said, “Midwifery is a dynamic profession that combines a strong legacy from the past with the necessities of the age. Thus, continuous renewal in education, research, and practice is of great importance.” She noted that May 5th, “World Midwives Day”, offers a significant opportunity to increase the visibility of the profession and raise public awareness, adding that such scientific events both strengthen academic sharing and contribute to the professional development of young midwives. Furthermore, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yarıcı stated that strengthening the midwifery profession is critically important for raising healthy generations and increasing societal well-being, and concluded her speech by thanking all stakeholders who contributed to the event.

The Multidimensional Role and Societal Impact of Midwifery Discussed!

In the session held within the scope of the event, the role of the midwifery profession in healthcare services, its contribution to sustainable health goals, and its impact on societal transformation were assessed from various perspectives. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Yarıcı and Assist. Prof. Dr. Mine Hızal Bahçeci chaired the session, while experts in the field presented different perspectives on the importance of the profession. Specialist Midwife Nesibe Üzel, in her presentation titled “The Impact of Midwives, The Voice of Midwifery”, drew attention to the visibility and impact of the profession in the field, while Assoc. Prof. Dr. İlknur Münevver Gönenç, in her presentation titled “The Midwife at the Center of Life: The Guarantee of Women’s, Family and Community Health”, discussed the crucial role of midwives in community health. Assist. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Oğul, in her presentation titled “The Transformative Power of Midwives in Gender Equality”, emphasized that midwives are not only important actors in the field of health but also in strengthening social equality.