Ethiopian international supermodel Liya Kebede is using her platform to bring awareness to issues surrounding the dangers that many women face during childbirth, Forbes reported.
After teaming up with the World Health Organization to serve as a WHO Goodwill ambassador, she was motivated to start her own non-profit called the lemlem Foundation which provides support and services to women in Africa during all stages of their pregnancy, the news outlet writes. The lemlem Foundation trains individuals in the health sector on how to prepare women for giving birth. Maternal health in Africa has become a pressing issue as nearly 162,000 mothers lose their lives due to pregnancy-related complications each year.
“There is no miracle drug to cure the maternal health crisis. Solving this challenge requires a series of human efforts, education, and infrastructure,” she told Forbes. “It’s not just about building the hospital. You have to train people to work there and educate women on prenatal and maternal health. Many expecting mothers don’t see a doctor, if they do at all, until they are ready to deliver.” She also added that barriers to medical care are a huge factor in whether or not women in Africa will have safe and healthy pregnancies.
Her foundation has donated medical equipment to the Durame Hospital in Ethiopia and has partnered with other organizations that include the Hawassa Safe Mothering Center and the Ethiopian North American Health Professionals Association. Over the past five years, nearly 12,000 women have been helped by the lemlem Foundation.
Kebede is also using her foundation to empower African designers and artisans. She created the lemlem clothing line that includes pieces from over 250 designers in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Madagascar. Five percent of sales are donated to the lemlem Foundation. Kebede is proud that she can use her platform for social good. “I want my life to have meaning so I try to seek it out in everything I do. The attitude has opened me up to organic situations that continue to form and evolve in my life,” she said.
SEE ALSO:
Is Fashion Industry Prepared For Next Black Supermodel?
Racial Disparities In Childbirth Deaths Disproportionately Affecting Black Women
95 Photos Of Black People Marching For Our Lives
95 Photos Of Black People Marching For Our Lives
1.
Source:Getty
1 of 95
2.
Source:Getty
2 of 95
3.
Source:Getty
3 of 95
4.
Source: 4 of 955.
Source:Getty
5 of 95
6.
Source: 6 of 957.
Source:Getty
7 of 95
8.
Source: 8 of 959. March For Our Lives In Washington, DC
Source:Getty
9 of 95
10.
Source:Getty
10 of 95
11.
Source:Getty
11 of 95
12.
Source: 12 of 9513.
Source:Getty
13 of 95
14.
Source: 14 of 9515.
Source:Getty
15 of 95
16.
Source: 16 of 9517.
Source:Getty
17 of 95
18.
Source: 18 of 9519.
Source:Getty
19 of 95
20.
Source: 20 of 9521.
Source:Getty
21 of 95
22.
Source: 22 of 9523.
Source:Getty
23 of 95
24.
Source: 24 of 9525.
Source:Getty
25 of 95
26.
Source: 26 of 9527.
Source:Getty
27 of 95
28.
Source: 28 of 9529.
Source:Getty
29 of 95
30.
Source: 30 of 9531.
Source:Getty
31 of 95
32.
Source: 32 of 9533.
Source:Getty
33 of 95
34.
Source: 34 of 9535.
Source:Getty
35 of 95
36.
Source: 36 of 9537.
Source:Getty
37 of 95
38.
Source: 38 of 9539.
Source:Getty
39 of 95
40.
Source: 40 of 9541.
Source:Getty
41 of 95
42.
Source: 42 of 9543.
Source: 43 of 9544.
Source:Getty
44 of 95
45.
Source: 45 of 9546.
Source:Getty
46 of 95
47.
Source: 47 of 9548.
Source: 48 of 9549.
Source: 49 of 9550.
Source:Getty
50 of 95
51.
Source:Getty
51 of 95
52.
Source: 52 of 9553.
Source:Getty
53 of 95
54.
Source: 54 of 9555.
Source:Getty
55 of 95
56.
Source: 56 of 9557.
Source:Getty
57 of 95
58.
Source: 58 of 9559.
Source:Getty
59 of 95
60.
Source: 60 of 9561.
Source: 61 of 9562.
Source:Getty
62 of 95
63.
Source: 63 of 9564.
Source:Getty
64 of 95
65.
Source: 65 of 9566.
Source:Getty
66 of 95
67.
Source: 67 of 9568.
Source:Getty
68 of 95
69.
Source:Getty
69 of 95
70.
Source: 70 of 9571.
Source: 71 of 9572.
Source:Getty
72 of 95
73.
Source: 73 of 9574.
Source:Getty
74 of 95
75.
Source: 75 of 9576.
Source: 76 of 9577.
Source:Getty
77 of 95
78.
Source: 78 of 9579.
Source:Getty
79 of 95
80.
Source: 80 of 9581.
Source: 81 of 9582.
Source:Getty
82 of 95
83.
Source:Getty
83 of 95
84.
Source:Getty
84 of 95
85.
Source:Getty
85 of 95
86.
Source:Getty
86 of 95
87.
Source:Getty
87 of 95
88.
Source:Getty
88 of 95
89. March For Our Lives In Washington, DC
Source:Getty
89 of 95
90. March For Our Lives In Washington, DC
Source:Getty
90 of 95
91. March For Our Lives In Washington, DC
Source:Getty
91 of 95
92. March For Our Lives In Washington, DC
Source:Getty
92 of 95
93. March For Our Lives In Washington, DC
Source:Getty
93 of 95
Continue reading 95 Photos Of Black People Marching For Our Lives
95 Photos Of Black People Marching For Our Lives
Black folks were representing in full force at the dozens of March for Our Lives rallies held across the globe on March 24, 2018, attracting hundreds of thousands of students, activists, celebrities and other world citizens concerned about the disturbing levels of gun violence that plagues the U.S like no other nation. As the disproportionate victims of gun violence in America, Black people made sure their voices were heard. Have a look at the youthful faces of the country's current and future freedom fighters as well as their colorful, clever signs.
Model Liya Kebede’s Non-Profit Addresses The Maternal Health Crisis In Africa was originally published on newsone.com
