materra was founded in 1993 in Freiburg, southern Germany.

Prior to this and as a result of many years of medical development aid was the understanding that reproductive health and education of women are crucial premises for the development of a country.

When women know how to read and write, the mortality of women and children is lower and family planning becomes possible.^1-3

materra therefore aims at initiating and supporting women’s health projects together with local partners in developing countries as well as in conflict areas and areas which are medically underdeveloped.

In Germany, research and teaching on the field of women’s health in developing countries shall be undertaken and deepened.

materra is a non-profit NGO on a voluntary base.

Literature:

1. Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit (1989): Förderung von Frauen in Entwicklungsländern. Entwicklungspolitische Materialien, Bonn.
2. Jakobsen, Jodi L (1991): Women‘s Reproductive Health: The silent emergency. Worldwatch paper 102. Washington DC: Worldwatch Institute.
3. United Nation Development Program (1990): Human development report 1990. New York. Oxford University Press.