Zonta Club Packs Birthing Kits
On Saturday 2 December, a group of 30 St Ursula’s students and 10 Botany Bay Zonta volunteers assembled 600 birthing kits to be sent to disadvantaged pregnant women in developing countries.
One significant initiative embraced by Zonta clubs across Australia involves the assembly of birthing kits. The motivation behind this effort stems from the alarming statistics that indicate every hour 33 women die of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, and an estimated 385,000 women die annually in childbirth, many from preventable infections. Zonta Australia works with Birthing Kit Foundation Australia to pack and supply these kits for expecting mothers around the world. The birthing kits contain materials and equipment that are intended to mitigate the risks associated with childbirth in developing countries and to support hygienic practices and environments during childbirth.
We had set out multiple tables where the students and volunteers would sit and pack the birthing kits using the materials provided. Each station was equipped with a detailed instruction manual to guide participants through the assembly process. The materials and equipment required to pack into the birthing kit included a pair of gloves, a block of soap, a sterile scalpel, a sheet of plastic, five pieces of gauze and three pieces of string. Thanks to the efficient and dedicated team, all 600 birthing kits were assembled and packed ahead of schedule.
The volunteers take pride in knowing that because they volunteered a small amount of our time to pack these birthing kits, they have increased the safety of multiple mothers and babies across the world and have potentially saved the lives of these individuals.
The St Ursula’s Zonta Club is planning to hold more initiatives similar to the birthing kit day, so if you would like to join the movement, mark your calendars for every Day 6 (Monday) and gather in LG21 during lunchtime. Let your voice be heard as we strive for a brighter, more equitable future for all.
