PURPOSE:
The purpose of this presentation is to highlight key lessons learned in our search of primary sources, review of ICM documents, and interviews with key partners that are relevant for ICM’s leaders today and in the future.

DISCUSSION:
The presentation will begin with a brief overview of the book and its authors. The major portion of the presentation will focus on two aspects of ICM’s history: 1) significant challenges faced by the organization and 2) lessons learned from our historical research that are important to ICM as a modern day global health organization representing the world’s midwives through its Member Associations in order to protect and promote women’s reproductive health, rights and safe childbearing care. Consistent challenges will include varying leadership strengths, financial concerns, and organizational structure. One of the biggest challenges is differing opinions about where the organization should invest its limited resources to make the biggest impact on empowering midwives and empowering women affected by gender, socio-economic status and race. Significant lessons learned will include the importance of strong, visionary midwife leaders who believe in the organization’s purpose; an efficient, representative, caring organizational structure and staff; expert guidelines for midwifery education and practice; periodic strategic planning with Member Associations that keeps the organization true to its purpose of representing the world’s midwives; and the power of health-oriented global partners.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Joyce E Thompson, Joan Walker, Ann M Thomson, Margaret Peters. 100 Years of the International Confederation of Midwives: Empowering Midwives and Empowering Women. Brown Dog Books and The Self-Publishing Partnership Ltd, Bath, UK, 2022.

KEY MESSAGE:
Though at times eroded by lack of attention to the lessons of the past, the ICM's stature as an international NGO has grown through the individual and collective work of strong, visionary midwives closely involved with ICM’s governance and future. Leadership 1 (including three-minute presentation competition)