The Safe Motherhood Day 2025 was observed recently, under the theme “Equity in Maternal Healthcare: Leaving No Mother Behind”. This significant event was organized by the Obstetric and Gynaecological Nursing Department of the Kalinga Institute of Nursing Sciences (KINS), aimed at raising awareness about the critical need for equitable maternal healthcare. The event engaged students from all batches, promoting community participation and emphasizing the importance of maternal health in society.
Maternal health is a critical public health issue, and Safe Motherhood Day serves as a reminder of the challenges women face globally. The theme for Safe Motherhood Day 2025, “Equity in Maternal Healthcare: Leaving No Mother Behind,” emphasizes the need for equal access to maternal healthcare services, regardless of a woman’s socio-economic or geographical background. Poverty, limited access to healthcare, and gender inequality are major barriers to equitable maternal care, leaving women in underserved areas at higher risk of complications and death. Achieving equity in maternal healthcare aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. This includes ensuring every woman’s access to quality maternal healthcare services. Governments, organizations, and communities must work together to bridge these gaps and ensure all women receive the necessary care, free from financial or geographical barriers.
The first half of the day was dedicated to a community extension programme led by GNM 3rd-year students. This initiative focused on educating the community about maternal health, the importance of prenatal and postnatal care, and the role of healthcare providers in ensuring safe motherhood. Role play was well appreciated by the community people.
The second half of the day featured a creative pencil sketch competition. Participants were encouraged to express their understanding of the theme through art, illustrating the diverse aspects of maternal healthcare and the concept of equity. The session fostered creativity while reflecting on the theme’s significance.
The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome by Dr.(Prof.) Niyati Das, Principal(CON), KINS, who emphasized the need for equal access to maternal healthcare services regardless of a woman’s socio-economic or geographical background.
Prof. KalyaniRath, Vice-Principal of KINS, delivered a keynote address in which she emphasized the theme of Safe Motherhood Day, including its inception and significance. She also highlighted the connection between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and this year’s theme of Safe Motherhood Day.
The final segment of the day was a lively reels-making competition, open to students from all batches. This activity aimed to raise awareness through short, impactful videos highlighting the importance of leaving no mother behind in the quest for equitable maternal healthcare. The competition showcased creative narratives and innovative approaches by the students, effectively conveying the message to a broader audience.
The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony to honor the outstanding participants of various activities.
The judges evaluated the sketches and reels based on creativity, accuracy, educational value, and relevance to the theme of equity in maternal healthcare. They commended the participants for their thoughtful presentations and the effectiveness with which they conveyed the importance of maternal healthcare equity. The winners were presented with tokens of appreciation by the college in recognition of their achievements.
The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Ms. Rojalin Dash, Assistant Professor at KINS, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, faculty members, participants, and all the students.
Among the distinguished dignitaries present during the Program were, Mrs. Monalisa Das, Assistant Prof, KIIT School of Fashion Technology; Mrs. Mamata S Goswami, Assistant Director, Handicraft, KISS; Dr.(Prof.) Anusuya Pattanayak, HOD of Community Health Nursing Department, KINS; Mrs. Sanjukta Dixit, Asst Prof, KINS; and other faculty members of OBG Department.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students across all batches, demonstrating their commitment to maternal health advocacy. The interactive nature of the activities ensured active engagement, fostering both learning and creative expression.
The Safe Motherhood Day 2025 at KINS was a memorable event that effectively combined education, creativity, and community engagement. The activities highlighted the importance of equitable maternal healthcare and inspired students to be proactively advocates for safe motherhood. The success of this event reflects the dedication of the Obstetric and Gynaecological Nursing Department and the active participation of the students.