State of the World’s Mothers (SOWM): Summary

The ‘State of the World’s’ report: executive summary

By Selectra UK | Article reviewed and updated by Cornelia Zavoianu, Selectra Energy Expert | Updated 11 July 2026 | 5 min read

This page is a neutral reference summary of the file linked from external sites as SOWM_EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. The abbreviation SOWM is shared by two annual reports on maternal and newborn wellbeing, so this summary explains what the file is and focuses on what the referring sources point to, from established public knowledge only.

What this document is

This page summarises the executive summary linked from external sites as SOWM. The abbreviation is shared by two respected annual reports on maternal and newborn wellbeing: Save the Children’s "State of the World’s Mothers" and the UNFPA-led "State of the World’s Midwifery".

The sites referencing this particular file point to Save the Children’s mothers ranking — an annual report, often released around Mother’s Day, comparing how well countries support mothers and their children. We therefore focus this summary on that report while noting the shared acronym.

What it covers

Save the Children’s report was built around an index that ranked countries using a range of indicators. These typically included:

maternal health and the risk women face around childbirth;
child mortality and children’s wellbeing;
access to education;
women’s economic and political status.

The executive summary distilled these findings into the report’s main messages, highlighting which countries fared best and worst and drawing attention to the gaps between them. We do not reproduce specific rankings here, as they varied by edition — always consult the original for exact figures.

Why it matters

Reports of this kind put a spotlight on the conditions faced by mothers and children worldwide, using comparable data to press for better health, education and support systems. They were widely covered by the media and cited in advocacy and research.

That visibility is why external sites link to this file. We host a neutral summary here to keep those references working, and we flag the shared SOWM acronym so readers can identify the exact report they need.

Frequently asked questions

What does SOWM stand for?

The abbreviation is used by two well-known annual reports: Save the Children’s "State of the World’s Mothers" and the UNFPA-led "State of the World’s Midwifery". Both concern the wellbeing of mothers, newborns and the systems that support them. The external references to this file point to Save the Children’s mothers ranking.

What is Save the Children’s State of the World’s Mothers?

It was an annual report ranking countries on how well they support mothers and children, typically released around Mother’s Day. It combined indicators such as maternal and child health, education and economic and political status into a comparative index.

What does an executive summary contain?

An executive summary condenses a longer report into its headline findings and main recommendations. It is meant to give readers the key messages without reading the full document.

Where can I find the original?

Save the Children’s reports are published by Save the Children. This page is a reference summary only, and we point readers to the original for exact figures.