Women recovering from their fistula repair surgery at the Gondar Fistula Hospital in northern Ethiopia. Women receive free, quality treatment including pre- and post-operative care. They’re also spoken with about the importance of giving birth with a health professional at hand in order to prevent fistula from happening if they fall pregnant in future.

Trained Safe Motherhood Ambassador Berhan (right) conducting a home visit with a new mother. She’ll provide post-natal support, make sure both mother and child are healthy, and ensure the mother knows where to go/who to contact in case of complications.

Holding a community engagement event in rural Ethiopia. There is a strong social stigma against fistula - in many areas it is considered a “curse” and women will be shunned by their community if others discover she has developed it. These community events break down the taboo behind fistula and ensure women aren’t left alone and isolated if they develop fistula.

A couples counselling and male sensitivity workshop for a fistula survivor and her husband. In parts of Ethiopia, it is common for the husband to leave his wife if he learns she has developed fistula. In his eyes, the woman is no longer useful. Teaching men about fistula is a big step forward to make sure women can get the support they need for safe pregnancy and childbirth.

Here a fistula survivor tends her livestock in her “sheep fattening” business. Because so many women with fistula are forced to live in isolation, they have no means or opportunity to provide for themselves or their children. That’s why after receiving surgery, women are given the chance for skills training and are given a small micro-loan to start their own small, independent and sustainable business.