DESCRIPTION OF TOPIC:
Purpose: The Young Midwife Leader Program (JLSF), launched by the Association des Sages-Femmes d’Haïti (ASFH), aimed to build the leadership, advocacy, and communication skills of early-career and final-year student midwives, empowering them to play a leading role in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and rights in Haiti. Discussion: Inspired by ICM’s Young Midwife Leader initiative and supported by International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), the JLSF was implemented over five months using a structured and participatory approach: competitive selection, training modules (leadership, respectful maternity care, digital advocacy), individual project design, mentoring, and a community of practice. Participants developed and implemented their own projects aligned with ASFH’s strategic priorities, responding to the real-life challenges they face in their work and communities. The program culminated in a two-day closing event celebrating achievements and fostering intergenerational networking and collaboration. Evidence where relevant: 13 young midwives successfully completed the program, all participants implemented an approved individual project. Two major events were held, engaging mentors and national stakeholders, with the educational content grounded in ICM standards, human rights, and experiential learning principles. Conclusion: The JLSF is an innovative and context-adapted initiative that demonstrates the transformative impact of empowering young midwives with leadership skills to advance SRH, uphold women’s rights, and strengthen the midwifery profession in Haiti.

RELEVANCE TO MIDWIFERY:
The Jeune Leader Sage-Femme (JLSF) program strengthens midwifery by equipping young and early-career midwives in Haiti with leadership, advocacy, and communication skills. It addresses key professional gaps, empowering midwives to influence maternal health policies and promote sexual and reproductive health and rights. Grounded in ICM standards, the program enhances visibility and recognition of the profession, encourages respectful maternity care, and fosters strategic engagement. JLSF supports a resilient midwifery workforce, advancing progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 and SDG 5.