International Day of the Midwife (IDM) on May 5 is an important day of celebration. It’s an occasion to honour all midwives and what they do for mothers, babies and families around the world. It is a day for us to show appreciation for midwives and help them feel valued, respected and important. This year’s theme is Midwives: Defenders of Women’s Rights; highlighting the important work midwives do working ‘with woman’, imparting strength and empowerment and protecting her right to choose the maternity care she wants for herself and her baby. Traditionally ACM celebrates IDM with a walk with proceeds from your walk registration supporting the Rhodanthe Lipsett Indigenous Midwifery Charitable Fund. There are walks organised all over the country; with your local branch or your local workforce and we encourage all midwives and supporters of midwives to join in. If there isn’t already a walk near you, please plan one! Information on how to do this is available at www.midwives.org.au/our-events There are other IDM events you can join too. The ACT Branch hosts an Annual IDM Oration; there are seminars, breakfasts and lunches. Alternatively, you can also donate directly to the Rhodanthe Lipsett Indigenous Midwifery Charitable Fund by clicking 'Donate Now' on the left hand corner of your page.