PURPOSE:
This presentation aims to share the experience of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in empowering midwives through Values Clarification and Attitude Transformation (VCAT) workshops. The objective is to demonstrate how this reflective and participatory approach fosters ethical, rights-based leadership in advocating for access to safe abortion services in a complex legal and sociocultural environment.

DISCUSSION:
In the DRC, abortion remains a highly sensitive topic, often clouded by stigma and legal uncertainty. Midwives, as the first point of contact for many women seeking reproductive health care, are strategically positioned to champion a rights-based approach. What makes this initiative unique is its focus on values and ethical reflection rather than solely clinical training. The VCAT methodology facilitates deep personal reflection on social norms, religious beliefs, professional responsibilities, and the right to choose. Through role-plays, case studies, and debates rooted in the Maputo Protocol and national SRHR frameworks, midwives begin to see themselves not just as caregivers but as agents of reproductive justice. These workshops have helped midwives move from internal conflict to confident advocacy, especially in environments where the right to abortion is still contested.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Between 2020 and 2024, a total of 120 midwives were trained in five provinces of DRCONGO through the VCAT approach. Among them, 82% reported a positive shift in their attitudes toward the provision of safe abortion services. Following the training, several midwives took concrete advocacy actions. These included submitting position papers to provincial health authorities, actively participating in public policy dialogues, and integrating anti-stigma messaging into professional development and continuing education sessions within their institutions.

KEY MESSAGE:
VCAT provides midwives with the tools to align personal values with professional ethics and public health goals. This inner transformation is crucial to building sustainable leadership in reproductive rights and ensuring safe abortion access across diverse and often restrictive settings. SRHR - Abortion training