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<\/a><\/p>\nRepresentatives of several organisations, including Oxfam, our good friends over at Mumsnet<\/a> and, of course, members of the public, were down there to send a message to the political party leaders – and to mothers around the world.<\/p>\n We held white roses and there was a minute’s silence in remembrance of the 1,400 women who could survive childbirth if they had access to a doctor or nurse when they went into labour.<\/p>\n Then we laid the flowers before the Houses of Parliament, as a testament to lives laid down. Singer and active campaigner Annie Lennox was present and spoke powerfully, noting that only 17% of parliamentary seats around the world are held by women.<\/p>\n Then everyone trotted inside to be met by a very welcome sight: members of Mumsnet kitted out in floral aprons and serving tea, coffee and biscuits to MPs and campaigners at an impromptu caf\u00e9 in the members’ dining room. It was a very happy scene, with children running about and some delicious biscuits being savoured – one Mumsnetter noted that her baby was patting a biscuity hand on Ms Lennox’s knee!<\/p>\n Carrie, one of Mumsnet’s founders, spoke with passion and compassion about her recent trip with Oxfam to Malawi<\/a> to see a poorer country’s response to maternal health issues for herself. More than one listening mother became very emotional.<\/p>\n It still makes me shudder to think that in Malawi there are only 200 doctors for a population of 14 million people – an impossible task that means 16 women a day die needlessly due to pregnancy and delivery problems.<\/p>\n Petitions signed by thousands were handed in to David Cameron, Nick Clegg and the Minister for International Development, Douglas Alexander. We all set off home feeling stirred and motivated. Have at look at their video responses below:<\/p>\n