The Project
Serbia is a country through which large numbers of people travelling overland from Afghanistan pass through on their way to Western European countries. As a result of the measures that the European Union has implemented to limit migrants entering it's borders, many Afghans have found themselves spending months or even years in Serbia while they wait to cross into European Union countries. Some Afghan women arrive in Serbia already pregnant, and others become pregnant or give birth while in Serbia. However, there is very little research that has explored the experiences of women who are pregnant, give birth or have a newborn baby while still navigating their migratory journey.
The Birthing on the Way research project aims to understand these women's experiences, as well as the perspectives of those working in various capacities with Afghan women during pregnancy or birth in Serbia.
It is hoped that this research will firstly, provide a platform for Afghan women's voices regarding their birthing experiences, and secondly, that these experiences, in conjunction with the experiences of professionals working with Afghan women in Serbia, will help to inform the way that NGO's and health professionals provide health care and support to Afghan women in Serbia during pregnancy, birth and early weeks with a newborn.
If you're interested in learning more about the project, please get in touch.
About
The Birthing on the Way project is founded by Esther Sharma, a PhD student at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Esther is also a UK Registered Midwife and has lived in Afghanistan working in various ways to support maternal health.
You can read more about her here.