This country has a proud tradition of welcoming people in need of sanctuary, and Glastonbury as a festival has long championed women's rights. As the refugee crisis has unfolded, it has been clear that pregnant women, mothers and young children are especially vulnerable - and so at this year's festival the White Ribbon Alliance will be celebrating mothers, with a focus on those who have come to the UK as migrants and refugees.
The WRA advocates for every woman's right to be safe and healthy before, during and after childbirth - a right that is often jeopardised when women are fleeing war or persecution.
Unfortunately, this right is not assured even once women reach the UK. Undocumented pregnant migrant women face NHS maternity charges of up to £6000. These women are vulnerable; they may be undocumented because they were refused asylum, yet have no home to return to, or fear violence if they do. Ironically, our government actively supports free maternity care in many of the countries from which these women have fled.
Hospitals are required to report unpaid debts, which creates fear in migrant women who feel they can't go to hospital in case officials report them to the Home Office, while putting midwives and doctors in an extremely difficult position. Groups working with undocumented pregnant women say that some women are even deciding to give birth at home, alone. The bottom line is that all pregnant women, wherever they live and wherever they are from, have the right to decent, respectful health care.
Much of Glastonbury festival is run by women and many of us, myself included, have young children. We understand the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy and motherhood, so this is a cause that's close to our hearts.
At the festival, half a dozen different organisations and many individual volunteers who have been supporting refugees and migrants this year in Calais, Greece, the UK, and other parts of Europe, will come together in the White Ribbon Alliance's 'Tent of Sanctuary'.
This is a collective space for all those activists, including migrant women volunteers, who have given such heartfelt support to those who are seeking to rebuild their lives. It will be a special opportunity to listen to the voices of women who are rarely heard - we'll have some amazing speakers every day, talking about where they come from, how they have survived and thrived. It's also an important place for connecting with others who want to do something to help, for celebrating the contribution of migrants to this country – and for recognising the fact that at one time or another, we are all migrants.
If you're at the festival, we'd love you to join us in making a noise for mums in the Glastonbury tradition - you'll find the Tent of Sanctuary under the Park Tower. Or, find out more more on the Glastonbury Festival website and the White Ribbon Alliance website and share your messages via #WeAreAllMigrants.
Guest posts
Guest post: "At this year's Glastonbury, we will celebrate refugee and migrant mothers"
KiranMumsnet · 23/06/2016 09:14
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