PURPOSE:
The Independent Midwives Association of Namibia (IMANA) has a mission to promote and strengthen the practice of midwifery to highest levels of professionalism, thus improving the health of women, newborns and families. As a not-for-profit association, the operations of the association are conducted through the collective effort of the board members on a voluntary basis and with very limited to bare minimal resources. As a member association of ICM, IMANA was privileged to have been awarded the opportunity to participate in the Lightful-BRIDGE programme. The purpose of participating in this Lightful- BRIDGE programme was to assist IMANA members to be trained and learn about data driven approaches and digital techniques used to promote digital presence and help increase funding effectiveness to ensure the smooth operation of the association.

DISCUSSION:
Upon the successful completion of the lightful programme, the association has successfully designed and launched a website that is now used as a central hub for amplifying the voices of midwives and promoting the vital role of midwives in the promotion of sexual, reproductive and health rights of women, girls and adolescents in Namibia. The website platform ensures the associations digital presence by featuring important information about IMANA’s vision, mission and objectives, the role of IMANA in improving and championing maternal and newborn care in Namibia. The website has an online donation feature which provides an opportunity for IMANA supporters to connect, engage and help donate funds.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
The digital presence through the website enables IMANA to reach midwives, policy makers, funders and collaborators.

KEY MESSAGE:
IMANAs digital presence through a dedicated website is a lifetime opportunity that was made possible by the generous support of ICM through the Lightful programme. This digital presence enhances the associations visibility while creating an opportunity for online funding and donations that will ensures work of midwives is supported. Association strengthening 1 (including three-minute presentation competition)