New strength instead of isolation: fistula survivors strive for new perspectives

Every year, between 500 and 1000 women in Chad suffer from obstetric fistula. This serious birth injury severely affects the daily lives of many women, causing immense suffering and often resulting in social isolation and extreme poverty. Although Chad has a national strategy to combat obstetric fistula, the measures are insufficient due to a lack of funding and significant health challenges.

With the project ‘New strength instead of isolation: fistula survivors create new perspectives’, Women's Hope International is working together with the local partner institution Village des Femmes and the local partner organisation Bureau National de Recherche en Genre et Développement to improve the living conditions of women affected by fistula.

Fistula survivors in eastern Chad lead a dignified and autonomous life. Following their medical operations, they create new opportunities to reintegrate into the social and economic spheres of society.

The project team works closely with local organisations from Abéché. Collaboration with them is crucial for a locally supported continuation after the end of the project. For fistula survivors, income generation is key to leading a self-determined life in the long term and escaping marginalisation. By carrying out awareness themselves, they help to improve the way society treats people affected by fistula.

Thanks to good medical care, birth injuries such as fistulas can be prevented. Women in Chad are celebrating the opening of a new birthing centre.

Cover picture and feature image: Salomon Djekorgee Dainyoo/WHI/Fairpicture