On the 5th of September 2024, the silent voices of mothers and newborns were heard during the screening of Telling The Story documentary, also captured in the Casebook  Silent Tears; Voices of Loss. By the time you finish reading this article, a mother will die while giving birth, somewhere in Kenya. On average, 6,500 mothers die every year in Kenya while giving birth. This translates to at least 20 mothers dying daily.

Stories and narratives move us, connect, shape us, and drive us to act.  It was against this background, and in line with White Ribbon Alliance Kenya’s Ask. Listen. Act power approach that we called together all duty bearers and citizens of goodwill regarding maternal and newborn health, to the unveiling of the stories and narratives of families who have endured the preventable loss of mothers and newborns during their pregnancy journeys.

No eye remained dry as each family represented shared the deeply painful and personal experiences, amplifying the voices of countless others. The stories of loss, triumph, and resilience became a collective demand for change in Reproductive, Maternal, and Newborn Health (RMNH).

Angela Nguku, WRA Kenya’s founder and executive director, also a former practicing midwife noted the enormity of the tragic loss of mothers and newborns, making a clarion call for urgent action. “These are not just statistics but real people, real hopes and aspirations that were cut short. We cannot continue to read about these numbers and remain silent.” Angela called on everyone to make their Commitment and demonstrate goodwill in changing the narrative, transforming the stories of families into those of hope and dignified health care.

Listening to What Women Want is the first critical step in ensuring that no woman or child loses their life or dignity in their reproductive health journey. This dialogue continues to unfold, with respective duty bearers acting on their commitments to end the loss of mothers and newborns and uphold respectful maternity care.

During the event, we also launched key Reports that capture the voices and top demands of women and newborns across Kenya. Your voice remains a powerful catalyst for the change that women and newborns demand.

Join Us in this transformative journey of advocating for the health rights of mothers and newborns.