Interview with Sumie Ishii

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*How did you get involved with your activity?
- When I look at the situation of the developing world, I can't help feeling that there's inequality is there. Some are born poor, and some are not. I feel incumbent to contribute to filling the gap.

*What is the most common and prevailed issues amongst pregnant women in developing countries.
- In general, women have problem that are out of their control, can't protect themselves since they can't even go to hospital by themselves even if they need to. When it comes to pregnant women, the biggest challenge is to prepare for the safe environment to give birth. Faclility may be too far, or can't find skilled midwives, equipment or medication when you decide to home birth.

*In your opinion, what are kind of things that men tend to overlook on the issues around protecting pregnant women in developing world.
- Men tend to think it's about women and children, don't even think that it's a development matter. Also it's no wonder but men can't appropriately understand the mother's situation even if they are able to pay attention to children. And women tend not to speak up for themselves, but try to put priority on family.

*What would be the most appropriate role of CSO like yours to accomplish the mission to protect women in developing world? What are challenges?
- CSO can make proposals based on perspective of local people. Japanese CSOs tend to work well with government so things go smoothly.The toughest challenge is the limited financial resources.

*Could you tell us how can we support your activity while living in Japan?
- Simply speaking, please keep the matter in your mind in your daily life. When we think of the earthquake took place last year, we shouldn't consider the issues that our organization deals may not be limited to developing world, but things that can take place in our country. Japan became the biggest recipient for the financial aid last year, you know. Lastly, should you be interested in contributing to the cause, please make your contribution to a global CSO like JOICFP. Thank you.