On Saturday, 13 September, we were proud to partner with the Birthing Kit Foundation to mark an incredible milestone — _the packing of the 3 millionth birthing kit.
Joy O’Hazy, first brought this life-saving idea back from an overseas trip in 1995, was sadly unable to join us, her legacy was deeply felt throughout the day.
Julie Monis-Ivett shared heartfelt reflections on those early planning days, and paid tribute to the tireless efforts of her fellow Zontians. In particular she mentioned the “engine room” of the work started with:
Di Bartel as the transport/logistics person
Margaret Parsons as the Assembly Day coordinator,
Maggie Gregory as the treasurer
Julie MI as the project administrator liaising with all field partners across 30 countries.
This group met weekly for more than a year. It was this dedication that helped get the project off the ground. Julie also spoke about the evolution of the program — _from the initial kits to the training of birthing assistants, and now, to the formal training of midwives in several African countries where the kits are distributed.
We are immensely proud that Zonta Clubs around the world who are now involved in packing kits, extending the impact of this initiative far beyond our own communities.
It was a special honour to have Val Sarah, Patron of the Foundation, join us for the day. We also welcomed Lorna Caire, who was involved the project in its early days and a number of fellow Zontians from other sister clubs. Together, we packed 600 kits, and then celebrated this significant milestone with a glass of bubbles, kindly donated by Catherine Hutchesson, member for Waite and a slice of cake.
A world in which all women and girls have access to a clean and safe birth.
