The idea of documenting the Mother Friendly Movement or "Gerakan Sayang Ibu" (populary abbreviated as GSI) was originally suggested by Mien Sugandhi, the State Minister for Role of Women, Republic of Indonesia. A movement carried out by the community and the government, for the advancement of the quality of life of women, especially in accelerating the reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality rates, in the interest of human resources development.
The reasons that women die from maternal causes are based on delay and barriers to care which can only be overcome with inter-sectoral, multi-pronged and community- based initiatives, involving community members, health workers, and government representatives from all sectors, from the central to the village level.
This book is the final product of much tireless work. The authors and their support team have done an impressive job of presenting the issues surrounding maternal mortality and the result of all efforts over the last year to begin the implementation of the Mother Friendly Movement in eight trial districts in Indonesia.