Zonta Club of Port Macquarie wants to purchase 1000 birthing kits to distribute to developing countries.

The push to promote the birthing kits is one of the highlights of International Day of the Midwife which is on Friday May 5.

Zonta Club president Margaret Bateman says the club will celebrate the day with a stand in Port Central.

“We are seeking sponsors and donations to help purchase 1000 birthing kits with the remainder of the funds raised to be shared equally between Australian’s for Women’s Health and Zonta International Foundation’s Fistula Hospital in Liberia,” she said.

The idea of having a day to recognise and honour midwives came out of the 1987 International Confederation of Midwives conference in the Netherlands. International Midwives Day was first celebrated in 1991 and has since been observed in over 50 nations.

The birthing kit foundation of Australia was established in South Australia in 2006 by Zonta Clubs in Adelaide. The kits are sent to developing countries.

The foundation ensure’s kits are available for use by women in rural and remote areas in countries with the highest rate or number of maternal and neonatal deaths such as Afghanistan, Nigeria, Kenya, DR Congo, Chad, Uganda, Ethiopia and Papua New Guinea.

Mrs Bateman said five our of the eight board members on the foundation are members of Zonta.

The fundraising effort for the birthing kits will see Zonta selling hearts on Friday May 5 for just $3.

Zonta International is a leading global organisation of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.

“Zonta Club of Port Macquarie members work to empower women locally and globally,” Mrs Bateman said.

Meanwhile the Zonta Club is also promoting their birthing kit assembly day on Sunday June 25.

For more information on the Zonta Club of Port Macquarie email portmacquarie@zontadistrict24.org or check out their website.