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In 2013 around 289,000 women died from what was categorised as maternal complications. This figure is likely to be higher as only 40% of the world has an adequately function health reporting system (WHO et al 2014, p.1). Severe bleeding causes around 27% of all maternal deaths; this is the single biggest threat to pregnancy and childbirth. Moreover, maternal complications are the second biggest cause of death for women of reproductive age globally. The risks women and girls face through pregnancy and childbirth are the outcome of socio-cultural structures and norms, which increase the inequalities in many societies. The decisions we make, the choices we have, and the actions we carry out are a product of our social system’s structures and norms. Humanitarian crises painfully display the divisiveness and destruction that these structures and norms can have on the members of that system. But, crises also offer an opportunity to either, rebuild structures and norms in a way that reduces inequality and protects the vulnerable, or a regression to more traditional, more patriarchal and more hierarchical structures and norms which will ultimately disadvantage women and girls further in their plight for equality. There is a vicious circle of poverty and mortality that can be triggered by maternal death. In order to prevent these cycles from continuing, creative, simple and appropriate strategies need to be developed for humanitarian response that build on the knowledge systems and capacities of those affected, as well as the experience and expertise of practitioners. Instead of a discussion between development or humanitarian, the conversation should try to find ways for all interventions to be more homophilious with those affected and ensure that they do not worsen the structures protecting the most vulnerable. Innovation has long since been seen as a process for those who ‘have’, and not for those who ‘have not’. Criticisms of increasing inequality through a division base

In 2013 around 289,000 women died from what was categorised as maternal complications. This figure is likely to be higher as only 40% of the world has an adequately function health reporting system (WHO et al 2014, p.1). Severe bleeding causes around 27% of all maternal deaths; this is the single biggest threat to pregnancy and childbirth. Moreover, maternal complications are the second biggest cause of death for women of reproductive age globally. The risks women and girls face through pregnancy and childbirth are the outcome of socio-cultural structures and norms, which increase the inequalities in many societies. The decisions we make, the choices we have, and the actions we carry out are a product of our social system’s structures and norms. Humanitarian crises painfully display the divisiveness and destruction that these structures and norms can have on the members of that system. But, crises also offer an opportunity to either, rebuild structures and norms in a way that reduces inequality and protects the vulnerable, or a regression to more traditional, more patriarchal and more hierarchical structures and norms which will ultimately disadvantage women and girls further in their plight for equality. There is a vicious circle of poverty and mortality that can be triggered by maternal death. In order to prevent these cycles from continuing, creative, simple and appropriate strategies need to be developed for humanitarian response that build on the knowledge systems and capacities of those affected, as well as the experience and expertise of practitioners. Instead of a discussion between development or humanitarian, the conversation should try to find ways for all interventions to be more homophilious with those affected and ensure that they do not worsen the structures protecting the most vulnerable. Innovation has long since been seen as a process for those who ‘have’, and not for those who ‘have not’. Criticisms of increasing inequality through a division base