The SMILES Project (Somali Midwives for Improving Lives and Enhancing Sexual and Reproductive Health) is a five year initiative (March 2025–June 2030) that aims to strengthen Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for adolescent girls and women aged 15 to 49 in Somalia. Building on the successful foundations of the SMEPS Project, SMILES expands the reach and depth of midwifery training, education, advocacy, and service delivery across Somaliland, Puntland, Galgaduud, and Lower Jubaland.
Funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), SMILES is led by CARE Canada in partnership with the Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM) as the lead technical partner, CARE International Somalia, Somali Association of Midwives (SOMA), Puntland Association of Midwives (PAM) and the Somaliland Nursing and Midwifery Association (SLNMA).
Project Goals
- Increase the availability of qualified midwives by supporting midwifery schools to deliver high-quality, rights-based, gender-responsive pre-service education.
- Strengthen midwifery associations and government systems to advocate for and advance gender-responsive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
- Enhance professional development through continuing education, mentorship, and support for in-service and community-based midwives.
- Expand community awareness and demand for SRHR services through targeted outreach to adolescent girls and marginalized populations, including rural communities, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities.
- Promote inclusive, community-based health services that are accessible, culturally safe, and responsive to the diverse needs of women and girls across Somalia.
Project Reach
- SMILES will directly benefit 335,858 people, including Women and girls in under-served communities, including rural areas, ethnic minorities, Displaced Persons, and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs)
- Midwives and health professionals, including: 538 midwives (students, in-service, and community-based)100 midwifery tutors and 40 clinical instructors40 SRHR professionals in health facilities
- Leadership of three midwifery associations (SLNMA, SOMA, PAM)
Total Project Budget
4 million CAD