Adanech sustained a devastating obstetric fistula during the birth of her seventh child, which left her incontinent and in immense physical and emotional pain. Unable to face the judgement of others, Adanech withdrew from her family and friends. “They [Hamlin staff] helped me triumph over pain and isolation to stand tall as a beacon of […]...
Without an understanding of obstetric fistula and its causes, survivors are often subject to severe social stigma due to their smell, perceptions of uncleanliness, a mistaken assumption of venereal disease and sometimes infertility. Women are trapped in a life of pain, shame and isolation. Nearly all patients at Hamlin’s fistula hospitals report psychological issues associated […]...
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 […]...
International Literacy Day is celebrated on 8th September every year and highlights the importance of literacy for all people, communities and societies. For women who live in poverty, like most of our fistula patients, the chance to reach their full potential is hampered by a lack of numeracy and literacy skills. That’s why Hamlin’s Women’s […]...
How did the fistula patients taking part in Hamlin's Women's Empowerment Program celebrate their graduation? Watch and find out....
Hamlin's Women's Empowerment Program has had it's 13th cohort of 51 start in January 2024. ...
The story of a meeting between two inspiring Australian women, Sam Bloom and Dr Catherine Hamlin....
Catherine Hamlin's Desta Mender, meaning ‘Joy Village’ in Amharic is looking ahead to the next chapter. ...
MEDIA RELEASE A ground-breaking initiative in Ethiopia is aiming to empower women who have faced years of social isolation and suffering due to devastating fistula injuries, and therefore struggle to make an income independently. The Women’s Empowerment Program at Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s Desta Mender (founded by pioneering Australian Dr Catherine Hamlin) is training survivors of […]...
2022 marks 20 years since Catherine established Desta Mender, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s Rehabilitation and Reintegration Centre....
As part of International Women’s Day 2022, Hamlin is reflecting on the importance of breaking the bias that obstetric fistula patients face....
“They are all precious to me. For every patient that comes to us we try to give them all the love, care and expertise that we have to help them to get better and back to a normal life.” – Dr Catherine Hamlin Rehabilitation and reintegration in FY21 The team at Hamlin’s Rehabilitation and Reintegration […]...
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