Tailoring to Heal the Deep Scars of Fistula

by Edmond Okiboko, Managing Director

Sarah showing us her advanced sewing skills.

It’s only been a few months, but the fear of wetting her clothes is a faint memory.

“I had lost hope in life, I had no dreams, but that is all history. I’m ready to work on my big plans to change my situation. I’m on my journey for a new beginning,” Sarah declares.

We visited with Sarah a few months ago, and she shared her story of how she developed obstetric fistula and her journey to treatment. That was shortly after her return home from the reintegration camp. Now, she sits cheerful, even happier than when we met with her months ago.

Sarah moved back to her community and identified a location to start her tailoring business in a nearby trading center. To continue improving her skills, Sarah is working under an artisan mentor, Rebecca, who has been in the business for more than 30 years. Through this mentorship, Sarah is now able to make different products beyond what she learned during her reintegration program. Her emotions have changed from despair to optimism.

Proud, Sarah says, “I am now able to meet the basic needs of my four children from the tailoring business”.

Sarah is a beaming with hope, energy, and persistence. She is fully integrated within the community and no trace of fistula signs can be seen. Happiness is all she shows on her face with a bright future ahead.

Sarah and her mentor, Rebecca, sewing together in the trading center.