DESCRIPTION OF TOPIC:
This research project aims to explore the social representations of motherhood within the professional group of midwives —health professionals who maintain a close relationship with women and their families during key stages of sexual and reproductive life. Framed within a feminist perspective and the field of social psychology, the study seeks to understand how these professionals construct, reproduce, or challenge dominant discourses around motherhood, conceived not merely as a biological fact but as a social, historical, and cultural phenomenon. The study adopts a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive methodology, using in-depth interviews as the primary data collection technique. This approach allows for the identification and interpretation of shared meanings and symbolic frameworks that shape both the practices and narratives of these professionals. Social representations are understood as collectively constructed ways of interpreting reality that influence both individual identity and everyday professional practice.

RELEVANCE TO MIDWIFERY:
The profession of Midwife Obstetricians has existed in the country since 1881 and is predominantly composed of women, making it a historically feminized profession. This characteristic is central to the study, as it positions these professionals not only as facilitators of reproductive health but also as cultural agents who transmit and transform meanings associated with femininity and motherhood. The research highlights how gender stereotypes—particularly the figure of the "natural mother"—shape the expectations placed on midwives, often assuming an inherent link between their professional role and gender identity. However, these representations are not static: they are constantly negotiated within the tension between personal experience, professional training, and institutional demands. This study seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the social dimensions of midwifery practice and to promote critical reflection that supports healthcare practices grounded in gender equity and cultural sensitivity. Humanitarian 1 (including three-minute presentation competition)