Birtukan is healed and empowered, thanks to you
December 15, 2025
Birtukan sustained an obstetric fistula during the birth of her son. The physical pain formed only part of her suffering.
“Fistula brought relentless discomfort and embarrassment, making even the simplest tasks unbearable. I avoided church and the market and was unable to contribute to my family’s life. It was a lonely and depressing existence.”
A Hamlin-trained health worker visited Birtukan’s community, handing out flyers about obstetric fistula. It named her condition and said it was treatable.
Birtukan received surgery at Hamlin’s Yirgalem Fistula Hospital and participated in Hamlin’s Women’s Empowerment Program at Desta Mender.
I learned many skills including animal husbandry, poultry, pottery and handicrafts. I learned to read and write and was taught how to start a small business. I plan to continue my education and implement the skills I have gained.
- Birtukan
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Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Elders past, present and emerging throughout Australia and the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Traditional Owners of the land and waterways on which our Australian office is situated. We acknowledge the many ethnic groups in Ethiopia and their ancestral and cultural connection to the land where our work is undertaken.