This week’s stories, gathered from our regional offices, show ways that WHO is using donor contributions to safeguard the health of women around the world.Our projects are providing safe childbirth centres, fighting back against female genital mutilation, working to end cervical cancer, helping those suffering from gender-based violence, and strengthening health services in many countries, in spite of COVID-19.WHO leads initiative to protect services for mothers, babies and othersA midwife provides a counselling in Nepal. ©WHO/Ajay MaharjanWHO has been leading an initiative to ensure that despite the demands of COVID-19, countries can maintain resilient health services for mothers, babies, children, adolescents and older people.Project teams are analyzing how the COVID-19 pandemic has impeded these core services, and will apply that knowledge to help countries prepare their health systems for future pandemics.All six WHO regions and 20 countries have participated in the initiative, which released its first report in December 2021.A child receives medical treatment in Yemen, one of the 20 countries participating in the WHO-led initiative. ©WHO/Nesma KhanHonduras is strengthening maternity homes to reduce maternal mortalityAt a maternal home in Honduras. ©PAHO/WHOWith help from WHO and PAHO, the country has been refurbishing and reopening regional maternal homes for pregnant women who live in areas with inadequate access to health care.Preparations have included training staff, bringing buildings into good repair, and acquiring furniture, bedding, appliances and medical equipment.The work is part of the Honduras Ministry of Health’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Project, supported by WHO and the Pan American Health