The paper traces midwifery in Botswana from its birth under the auspices of the London
Missionary Society in 1926. Botswana National archives records, history of nursing books, oral
interviews, past and current midwifery curricula documents, as well as midwifery transcripts for
graduates of various midwifery programmes are examined.
At the initial stage of midwifery education in 1926, the two women recruited were only
trained as midwifery assistants. Formal training in midwifery began in 1932 and was initially
intended for women of the royal family. Admission criteria, curriculum content, and examination
and evaluation procedures for midwifery education within the various historical epochs
differed to suit the changes of the time. Quality assurance has always been part of the midwifery
programme since colonial times.
Midwifery education has evolved from its humble beginnings to take place in colleges
of midwifery as well as institutions of higher learning, and has opened its doors to men.