Hamlin Barefoot Walk a toe-riffic success!
October 18, 2025
The inaugural Hamlin Barefoot Walk was a huge success.
The inaugural Hamlin Barefoot Walk was a huge success, thanks to our sole-ful supporters!
127 walkers across Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands and the USA made it their sole mission to walk 15 miles each during September and raise funds to restore the lives of women suffering from the devastating effects of obstetric fistula in Ethiopia.
Walking barefoot reflects the experience of women in rural Ethiopia who walk, often barefoot over difficult terrain, for an average of 15 miles to reach life-saving maternal care.
🚶🏻♀️ 127 barefoot walkers
🦶 832 miles walked during September
💰 $37,720 raised
❤️🩹 37 Ethiopian women’s lives restored
The incredible efforts of our community fundraisers will help stop women suffering and make huge strides towards ending obstetric fistula - a preventable and highly treatable condition in Ethiopia.
With their support, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia is working hard to find women in remote areas of the country and provide them with world-class obstetric fistula treatment and loving care to restore their health and dignity.
"I got cured. My legs walk normal. I am ready to go home beautiful. I thank everyone who helped me cure."
-Emnet, former fistula patient
This is what some of our fundraisers shared about their Hamlin Barefoot Walk experience…
“It was certainly a challenge and really put into perspective how lucky I am to live in Australia. I’m glad I could do my tiny bit to help change a woman’s life!” – Katie
“A great opportunity to raise funds for Hamlin and connect with my friends in a unique way! I loved walking barefoot, mostly in the sunshine, knowing I was doing it for women who have suffered horrific childbirth injuries.” – Helen
“I hope to realise my goal, not for the prizes, but so one more woman on our planet can regain her dignity and get back to enjoying better health!” - Tia
“This was a great campaign. It was quite challenging to walk barefoot but it really brought home what Ethiopian women have to endure.” - Kristen
They did it for her…
🧡 For the woman who sustained a preventable childbirth injury.
🧡 For the woman who walked barefoot for days to reach medical care.
🧡 For the woman whose baby was stillborn.
Although the official Hamlin Barefoot Walk month has come to an end, we encourage you to keep fundraising in whatever way you choose.
From car boot sales and craft stalls to trivia nights and bake offs, there are endless ways to support Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation.
(ABN58159647499) Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation is fiscally sponsored by Myriad USA (formerly King Baudouin Foundation United States - KBFUS) (EIN582277856) and Myriad Canada (RCO769784893RR0001).