PURPOSE:
Purpose:The Association of South Asian Midwives (ASAM) is a UK-based professional network founded by three South Asian midwives to improve relationships between maternity services and South Asian communities. ASAM exists to address the disproportionately high maternal mortality rates among South Asian women, who are more than twice as likely to die during childbirth than their white counterparts (MBRRACE-UK, 2023). Our mission is to create systemic change through culturally safe care, professional development, and advocacy.

DISCUSSION:
Discussion:ASAM offers holistic support to midwives from South Asian and ethnically diverse background including students and internationally educated midwives (IEMs) through coaching, peer support, and structured career guidance. National data shows that ethnically minoritised staff face considerable barriers to advancement and experience higher levels of workplace discrimination (NHS England, 2022). By developing strong inclusion and equity within the profession, ASAM equips midwives to work at their full scope and contribute meaningfully to reducing poor maternal outcomes.Our initiatives include wellbeing workshops, mentorship programmes, and storytelling platforms that amplify South Asian birth experiences. We also address cultural stigma that limits South Asian participation in midwifery and are looking at how we can support the recruitment of midwives from the south Asian community through community engagement and showcasing midwifery

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Evidence: The latest MBRRACE-UK report (2023) and NHS Race and Health Observatory reviews highlight persistent racial disparities in maternity care. Reports call for urgent structural reform and increased representation, needs directly addressed by ASAM’s model.

KEY MESSAGE:
Key message:ASAM exemplifies the power of midwifery-led associations to reduce health inequalities, enhance culturally responsive care, and build a resilient, representative workforce. This approach offers a replicable model for international efforts to transform maternal health through equity and inclusion. Equity is not an option but a necessity. Poster session 3 (Group B)