To mark the end of the Year of the Nurse and Midwife we are honored to unveil the 2020 List of 100 Outstanding Women Nurses and Midwives This partnership of the World Health Organization WHO United Nations Population Fund UNFPA Nursing Now International Council of Nurses ICN International Confederation of Midwives ICM and Women in Global Health WGH features the achievements and contributions of nurses and midwives from 43 countries and across 6 global regions to recognize these women and the millions of nurses and midwives around the world Midwives and nurses the overwhelming majority of whom are women are the backbone of primary health systems Their care during this monumental year has had an impact far beyond the facilities in which they work However the dedication that midwives and nurses have epitomized throughout the onslaught of the pandemic often goes unrecognized and merits much more than applause more investment more support safe and decent work equal pay more resources and an equal say in leadership Despite shortages of Physical Protective Equipment PPE a lack of support and crippling uncertainty these women represent millions more nurses and midwives on the frontlines of patient care providing solutions every day to people around the globe Let us use the stories of their everyday heroism and service to call for all countries to invest in decent work and a new social contract for all women health workers particularly nurses and midwives as part of their commitment to health for all Above all we want nurses and midwives to have an equal say in decision making on the health systems they know best