Peace at Birth Dialogue

Peace at Birth Dialogue: A Courageous Dialogue on Human-Centred Birth and Advancing Obstetric Justice in South Africa

“Peace on Earth Starts with Peace at Birth” reminds us that the foundations of a peaceful and just society begin from the very start of life.

Birth is more than a medical event, it is a deeply human experience that should be grounded in dignity, respect, care and justice. Yet many women continue to experience disrespect, mistreatment and violence during childbirth.

This Heritage Month, Embrace, in partnership with the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation and Dr Mmatshilo Motsei, invites you to a courageous dialogue exploring what it means to humanise birth and advance obstetric justice in South Africa.

Together, we will ask: How can we place mothers at the centre of maternity care, restore dignity in childbirth and build a culture of care that benefits women, babies, families and healthcare workers?

Join us for an evening of storytelling, reflection and courageous conversation as we work towards a future where respectful, human-centred maternity care is the standard.

Guest Panel:

Dr Mmatshilo Motsei - African mystic, author, healer and midwife; founder of Afrika Ikalafe. Author of six books including Ways of Being Born. PhD in Sociology (UP); recipient of the UN Scroll of Honour and two Honorary Doctorates.

Julie Mentor - Project Lead of Embrace, the Movement for Mothers. Maternal rights activist and community-builder working with civil society and government on maternal health across South Africa.

Shana Fife - Cape Town author and mother of three. Author of Ougat (2021); writes on maternal health, patient experience and the realities women face in healthcare.

Mercy Hombakazi Nqandeka - PhD candidate in Public Health, Stellenbosch University, researching Indigenous healing and resilience in the Eastern Cape. Margaret McNamara Grant recipient (2025); Mail & Guardian Power Woman (2024).

Janine Joemat - CEO, Mowbray Maternity Hospital.