More than A Midwife

Mahzada, a midwife with World Vision Afghanistan, lives in Ghor province with her husband and child. In addition to providing for her own family of three, she also supports her mother, two brothers, and sister. "I support my family and my mother's family with my income because they don't have a guardian," she explains.

Mahzada began working with World Vision in 2009 as a literacy teacher, a role she held for nine months. In 2016, she worked as a data collector for World Vision in Herat for a while. Today, as a midwife, she serves some of the most vulnerable women at a World Vision health centre in Ghor province. She feels proud and fulfilled, knowing that through her work with World Vision, she helps the women in her community and eases their pain and suffering.

Mahzada recalls one of her proudest moments: "We provided health services and consultations to a pregnant woman. When her delivery time came, she returned to our centre, and we were able to assist her in having a safe and healthy delivery. A few weeks later, she came back with her baby and said, ‘I lost my seven children during childbirth due to a lack of proper knowledge and midwives in our village. But thanks to God and your support, my eighth child survived.’ Hearing that made me feel incredibly proud to be able to help the suffering women of my community."

Mahzada describes World Vision’s working environment as both enjoyable and enriching. "Our work officially starts at eight in the morning and lasts until five in the afternoon," she says. "However, if there are patients, many of my colleagues and I stay beyond working hours to ensure everyone receives the care they need. This is because we are passionate about what we do."

According to Mahzada, a midwife must not only understand her patients’ conditions but also listens to them and gain their trust. She emphasizes the importance of professional knowledge and the need to understand and respect the cultural context of the community whilst supporting the women face their daily stress.

Ms. Mahzada dreams of becoming a doctor one day so she can serve her people at an even higher level. "I’ve always dreamed of becoming a doctor and serving my community," she says.

We hope the day comes when this dream of hers becomes a reality.