Dame Karlene Davis is one of the most eminent midwifery professionals at
London South Bank University. As general secretary of the Royal College
of Midwives, she was also Britain's first black female trade union
leader. In a career spanning more than four decades, she has remained a
steadfast advocate for the rights of women to good quality maternity
care, and an outspoken champion for midwives.
Karlene has also worked to improve midwifery services internationally.
In 1997, she was appointed director of the World Health Organisation's
Collaborating Centre for Midwifery, with a remit to advance midwifery
practice and education worldwide and improve services for women. She
also represented Europe in the International Confederation of Midwives
for 11 years, serving as its president from 2005 to 2008. In 2001, she was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in recognition of her services to midwifery and the NHS.