BRING WOMEN OUT OF THE SHADOWS
Help end obstetric fistula in Ethiopia.
07 May 2026
“I cry every day.”
These were the words Tiruye shared with our team when we met her in Ethiopia.
At the time, Tiruye was living in isolation — ashamed, alone, and hidden away from her community. Unable to control her bladder and constantly leaking urine, she felt she could no longer be around other people.
She sat outside under a tree, unwilling to come inside her mother’s home because of the shame she carried.
But only months earlier, Tiruye had been preparing to become a mother.
After enduring three days of agonising labour, her baby did not survive. And Tiruye was left with devastating internal injuries caused by obstructed labour — a childbirth injury known as obstetric fistula.
Obstetric fistula is one of the most devastating childbirth injuries a woman can experience.
It affects thousands of women across Ethiopia, particularly in rural communities where access to emergency maternal healthcare is limited or completely out of reach.
For many women, fistula means constant leaking, chronic pain, humiliation, and isolation. Women are often abandoned by their husbands, excluded from their communities, and forced to live hidden away in shame.
The physical injury is devastating.
But the emotional trauma can be just as crushing.
For Tiruye, the heartbreak stretched far beyond one tragic delivery. She experienced multiple pregnancy losses and unimaginable grief in her pursuit of motherhood. And after developing fistula, her world became smaller and smaller.
She was unable to work.
Unable to socialise.
Unable to live the life she once imagined for herself.
But fistula is treatable.
Through Ethiopiaid’s partnership with Hope of Light, women like Tiruye can access life-changing surgery, counselling, physiotherapy, and compassionate post-trauma support.
Founded by Ethiopian fistula surgeon Dr Ambaye, Hope of Light is working to restore dignity and hope to women living with the devastating effects of fistula.
And this work is transforming lives.
With support from generous donors, Tiruye was able to receive surgery through Hope of Light. Just weeks after her operation, our team met her again.
For the first time in years, she was smiling.
Hopeful.
Beginning to imagine a future beyond her suffering.
But there are still so many women waiting.
Across Ethiopia, thousands of women continue to suffer in silence simply because they cannot access the treatment they need.
That is why this work matters so deeply.
Supporting fistula care is about more than surgery.
It is about helping women reclaim their dignity.
It is about helping women rebuild their confidence, reconnect with their communities, and begin again after trauma.
From outreach programs and transport assistance, to counselling and surgical training for young doctors, Hope of Light is helping build a future where fewer women suffer alone.
Together, we can help bring women out of the shadows.
Please consider supporting women like Tiruye today.
Because together, we can help heal the wound… and help rebuild a life.
