Women are central to the economic, social, and political health of nations.  Since the early 1990s, studies by the United Nations, the World Bank, and others have demonstrated the value of investing in interventions that improve the health of women, including maternal health. While we have the knowledge of how to improve women’s health and maternal health, and effective strategies exist, progress has been intolerably slow.

The WOMEN DELIVER theme also issues an urgent call: Invest in Women—Now. If nations and donors are serious about social development and economic growth, they must invest in women’s health. The Millennium Development Goals set ambitious targets for improving maternal and child health, promoting gender equality, ensuring universal primary education, and combating HIV and AIDS. Meeting the goals—or even coming close—will require bold solutions from all sectors of society. But most of all, it will require investment.

Marking twenty years of the Safe Motherhood Initiative, WOMEN DELIVER brings together all sectors—education, health, development, equity, human rights, poverty reduction, and micro-finance. We aim to bridge the borders that have separated us.