For years, Terefech Digafie Tadesse carried a dream of creating a better future for herself. Like many young women in her community in Ethiopia’s Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR), she hoped to continue her education and build new opportunities.
But her path changed when she was forced to leave school in Grade 5 for an arranged marriage.
Years later, Terefech experienced a traumatic childbirth that would change her life forever. After a labour that lasted a full day, she lost her baby and developed obstetric fistula—a devastating childbirth injury that left her facing physical pain, emotional trauma and deep isolation.
For nine months, Terefech lived with fistula without knowing that treatment was possible.
“I had a horrible time with fistula,” Terefech shares. “I couldn’t sleep well, I had nightmares and flashbacks. I lost my appetite, concentration and energy. I had suicidal thoughts. I was hopeless and crying day and night.”
Everything began to change when Terefech met Tseganesh Nega, a Senior Safe Motherhood Ambassador with Healing Hands of Joy.
Tseganesh helped Terefech understand that fistula was a medical condition that could be treated, and that she did not have to suffer alone.
“I heard about obstetric fistula and its treatment for the first time from SMA Tseganesh,” Terefech says. “I really thank her next to God; it is because of her I got treated and able to stand with you.”
With Tseganesh’s support, Terefech was referred to the Hope of Light Fistula Centre, where she received life-changing treatment and began her journey towards recovery.
Surrounded by other women with similar experiences, she began to heal—not only physically, but emotionally too.
After her recovery, Terefech joined Healing Hands of Joy’s Safe Motherhood Ambassador training program.
The program equips women who have experienced fistula with the knowledge and skills to educate their communities about maternal health, safe childbirth and fistula prevention.
For Terefech, becoming an ambassador was an opportunity to transform her own experience into hope for others.
“I am glad to join HHoJ. I am having a great time in here. I like all the trainings,” she says. “After the training, I want to work hard to help and save my community from obstetric fistula.”
Today, Terefech has graduated from the 92nd Safe Motherhood Ambassador class with Healing Hands of Joy.
Once a woman living in isolation and uncertainty, she is now a trained community advocate—ready to help other women find the same support, treatment and second chance she received.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that with access to care, education and support, lives can be transformed.
Thanks to the generosity of Ethiopiaid supporters, women like Terefech are not only receiving the care they need—they are becoming leaders, advocates and sources of hope within their own communities.
