Franka Cadee PhD, joined the Executive Leadership team at Maternity Foundation in 2023 to further strengthen and support the continued development of Maternity Foundation’s global work, aiming to ensure safer births for women and babies globally. As Director, Franka will lead some of the organization’s global strategic initiatives, impact work, and partnerships.

Franka is a midwife and anthropologist with expertise in sexual and reproductive health and rights with over 30 years of experience in strategy and policy development, advocacy, research, diplomacy, leadership, governance and management. Franka’s six-year tenure as the President of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), came to an end in June 2023. In her (working) life and as ICM President, Franka advocated for sexual and reproductive justice and gender equity by strengthening midwifery leadership, regulation, and education globally.