MEETING OF INDIGENOUS MIDWIVES

In today’s technological climate, progress is often in a hurry to distance itself from the past. (Note to time: slow down!) And in the process, vast wells of ancient knowledge are lost. In Mexico, this includes the culture and expertise of midwives, a problem that Mounia El Kotni is facing head on.

It’s a remarkable fusion of the past, present and future to see the Mexican state Chiapas to sit behind the window of a time machine. Though home to one of the largest and most diverse indigenous populations in the West, sadly, time hasn’t been kind to its Mayan midwives. To combat the growing apathy and skepticism around traditional birth and medicinal methods, Mounia has partnered with the Organization of Indigenous Doctors of the State of Chiapas (OMIECH) and the French organization Association Mâ to stage a series of regional meetings for midwives.

Featuring three representatives from eleven indigenous communities, the gatherings will allow the women to share their expertise, experience, and best practices, formally, for the first time in over three years. In an effort to capture the information shared, they are also producing a video to be used in communities as a pedagogical tool.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ― Margaret Mead

Learn more by visiting Mâ’s webpage, blog, and Facebook page.