May 23, 2021
Today is the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula. On this important day, we wanted to highlight the importance of addressing not only the physical burden of obstetric fistulas, but also the mental toll it takes on the women who experience it. Women who suffer from obstetric fistula are often isolated from their communities and families due to the stigma, experience a deep sense of loss, shame and depression. CPAR is currently working on building a referral system in Ethiopia, to ensure that women who suffer from obstetric fistulas get the treatment they need to repair the fistula and get the post-treatment counselling they need to improve their self-esteem and reintegrate society. By encouraging women to participate in support groups and talk about their experiences openly, the stigma faced by these women can be lessened, and more women suffering with obstetric fistulas are empowered to seek treatment.
If you’d like to find out more about obstetric fistulas and about our project in Ethiopia, visit our blog.