Dame Karlene Davis is one of the most eminent midwifery professionals at London South Bank University. As general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, she was also Britain's first black female trade union leader. In a career spanning more than four decades, she has remained a steadfast advocate for the rights of women to good quality maternity care, and an outspoken champion for midwives.
Karlene has also worked to improve midwifery services internationally. In 1997, she was appointed director of the World Health Organisation's Collaborating Centre for Midwifery, with a remit to advance midwifery practice and education worldwide and improve services for women. She also represented Europe in the International Confederation of Midwives for 11 years, serving as its president from 2005 to 2008. In 2001, she was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in recognition of her services to midwifery and the NHS.