This blog-post was originally published at Conversations for a Better World, a shared blog on population, gender, and health.

“Ask for what you want. Take what you get. Then, use what you’ve got to get what you want.”

This is what Dr. Fred Sai said about international development at a global conference last week, the first time I heard him speak. It was a testament to his genius – simple, pragmatic advice that shoots to the core of global advocacy. These words have become my new mantra – something to repeat when I’m feeling frustrated, and something to repeat when I feel I’ve come up short in getting what is really needed to stop maternal deaths worldwide.

To read the full article, go to Conversations for a Better World and join the conversation!