Ethiopia 
United States 
Canada 
New Zealand 
United Kingdom 
Netherlands 
Bizuyie is still unable to talk about the time she sustained a severe obstetric fistula injury 25 years’ ago. But we know her bladder was destroyed and the nerves in her legs were damaged, leaving her with difficulty walking and the need for a cane.
Living in a remote village where no one knew what an obstetric fistula was, Bizuyie was shunned, no longer invited to see friends and not allowed to travel on public transport.
For a year, Bizuyie lived this painful, invisible existence. During this time, her father passed away from what Bizuyie believes was a broken heart after what had happened to her.
When Bizuyie arrived for treatment at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, she was completely taken aback. She had imagined she was the only person in the world to have this condition, but was surprised to see many other women suffering just like her. For the first time in a long time, she was no longer invisible but part of a loving community.
Bizuyie’s case was extremely complicated and she received multiple surgeries as well as intensive physiotherapy for her legs. Although she made a good recovery, Bizuyie will always have difficulty walking due to the nerve damage she sustained.
Thriving at Desta Mender
Bizuyie was one of the first obstetric fistula patients to arrive at Desta Mender, Hamlin’s rehabilitation and reintegration centre, when Catherine founded it in 2003 to support women recovering from severe fistula injuries. Bizuyie tells us:
“Catherine [Hamlin] is like our Emaye (mother). I have no words – there is no other person in the world who could help me.
There were fifteen of us when Dr. Catherine brought us from the hospital, telling us that we would live here. The nurses helped us settle in and Dr Catherine told us, “My children, this is your home from now on.” Every week she visited us, always bringing little gifts that made us feel cared for, like a family. We would gather for coffee and share conversations.
I had no formal education; I could only sign with my thumb because I didn’t know how to write. Thanks to the training and education I received at Desta Mender, I can now read and write. I also started attending evening classes and successfully completed the 5th grade.”
A life lived with courage
These skills set Bizuyie up for the next stage of her life – the owner of a coffee shop aptly named ‘Courage’. Bizuyie’s café is based at the Hamlin College of Midwives and she enjoys serving tea, coffee and meals to the staff and students at the College and Desta Mender.
Bizuyie’s café is not just her business, it is a space where she connects with her past and her community. Since opening the café in 2012, Bizuyie has not missed a single day of work. For her, being able to work is a gift she never takes for granted:
“I am proud to be a hardworking individual. I arrive early each day, feeling empowered as an independent woman standing on my own. I am happy with my life.
It’s difficult to express everything about Emaye (Dr. Catherine Hamlin). She is the foundation of our lives – not just for me but for all women. I would be grateful if someone like her could take her place. May she rest in peace.” – Bizuyie
Beletshachew Tadesse, the former Rehabilitation and Reintegration Manager at Desta Mender told us: “I’m so proud of Bizuyie. She has made remarkable success in her life and business. She is a lesson for all of us, she is amazing.”
Empowering others
Bizuyie takes great pride in her work and uses her income to make a real impact on her family. She pays for her younger brother and sister to attend high school as she knows how important an education is. Being able to support her siblings through their studies is, for Bizuyie, a wonderful gift. She says:
“Everyone has played a role in my journey. I want to thank everyone who supported me; it is because of them that I am here and successful. I am especially grateful to the staff and donors. Fistula is behind me. It doesn’t prevent me from being someone special. I am a businesswoman, I have something for myself and my family, I have big things. So fistula? Behind me, behind me.” – Bizuyie
An empowered woman creates an empowered community.
