This project addresses the need for systematic monitoring and watchdog procedures for maternity care violations. The overall objective of the project is to establish a sustainable National Advocacy and Watchdog mechanism that will enable BF and its allies to monitor to what extent perinatal care is delivered with respect, involving the woman-client as an active agent in the process. This will be achieved through: establishing tools, systems, and procedures, to systematically record, code, analyze as to identify patterns and gaps, and advocate for redressing those gaps through reporting and recommendations to stakeholders.
Target groups:
The project will benefit women and expecti It will benefit human rights activists, NGOs, and other WatchDog bodies, health professionals, including midwives, nurses and doctors.
Activities:
- Desk and Background Research Report. The desk research gathered advocacy and watchdog examples, analysed collected stories, and mapped national stakeholders.
An Advocacy Working Group was established with women’s rights organisations, patient associations, parent consultants, and other key allies, holding five meetings in total. Five advocacy meetings were held with stakeholders, including the Gender Equality Commissioner, professional associations, competent authorities, and Birth Forward’s Parents Consulting Group. - RODA, a CSO focused on parental rights and reproductive/maternal health in Croatia, hosted a study visit, where the team engaged with local stakeholders and experts to discuss advocacy, legal frameworks, and inclusive care practices.
- The RespectWATCH platform was developed to support systematic recording and monitoring of incidents of human rights violations in maternity care. The platform includes links to informational material, videos and an online course on rights.
- Publication of an advocacy report, case studies report, factsheets, and infographics.
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