The taxi bounced down the side street over large rocks and dips in the road. Through the window I could feel the hot humid African sun beating down…
I slowly opened the car door and when I got out I couldn’t believe where I was standing. Is this really it? Am I actually here? The sign in front of me read Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital. It was hard to believe that only a few months ago I was on my patio in my small town of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, entrenched in my book, reading about a hospital in Africa that provides care for women with childbirth injuries. Never in a million years did I imagine I would ever be at this hospital!
â–º SEMI FINALIST 2012 TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
I traveled to Ethiopia earlier this summer with my Mom and stayed with friends from the U.S. who were working in Ethiopia. We had many plans including volunteering and learning about the culture of the Ethiopian people. I came across the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital while reading the book Half the Sky, written by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. I was so fascinated by this book that I couldn’t stop reading it! The book focuses on the oppression of women all around the world and calls for an end to violence and injustices against women.
Luckily we were able to arrange a tour of the Fistula Hospital! I couldn’t believe it! Nervous! Anxious! Excited! I didn’t know what to expect, partly because I have a hard time going to hospitals in general. But this wasn’t a typical hospital. The Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital is the only hospital of its kind in the world dedicated exclusively to women with obstetric fistula, a condition common in developing countries where maternal health care is poor. Women who develop fistula are often abandoned by their husbands and communities, and forced to live in isolation.
Inside the hospital grounds I saw luscious green gardens and I could hear beautiful chirping from the birds. This was in stark contrast to the loud and crowded streets of the city marked with shacks and tents that many called home. I instantly felt peaceful, inspired, and witnessed a sense of empowerment by the women I met. I learned about the fistula surgeries that are performed at the hospital, the therapies provided, and classes that the women take to learn about personal empowerment and advocacy. I was in awe by the sense of contentment and even joy I saw on the faces of these women despite the devastating emotional and physical injuries they experienced. The hospital was the cleanest of any I have ever seen and everyone was so kind and helpful. In a country with so much poverty, I learned of the hope that is present even in the middle of despair.
I have discovered that the more I talk about my Ethiopian experiences, the more I talk about the Fistula Hospital and the less I mention the experience of having my camera stolen out of my hand by a group of young boys while walking along the street. For me, the latter is merely a footnote in a story that reaffirms my belief in the power to make a difference.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
1 Reply to “Empowering Women One Hospital at a Time”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
HI
Although this is a different kind of article. But love to read. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks
Ruma
Do you know if the Philippines are offering any kind of residency or tourist visas right now with covid-19 going on? I’d like to take my family there, thanks.
Complimenti bravo continua cosi!! ottimo lavoro Grazie!!
If you want to practice your French or take Insta-worth pics on cobblestone streets, Montreal is definitely worth a visit. Plus, there are so many sights and landmarks to see, such as the Notre-Dame Basilica (Montreal’s oldest Catholic church) and Olympic Park, which helped host the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Celebrate Halloween night by watching the Sanderson sisters rise from the dead and wreak havoc in this cult classic. PS: where did the last 25 years go?
good. We believe everyone deserves access to factual information, and analysis that has authority and integrity.
Since before recorded history, the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs in this area have drawn people here. and this article is helping us a lot. also visit travpart for more ideas
this is best but i will visit after the era of corona virus so it could be a safe journey
yes exactly like this. The joyful and entertaining cattle fights attract tens of thousands of spectators each year.
great work ! While river cruising’s epicenter is undoubtedly situated over in Europe, the waterways of the United States are becoming more competitive with each passing year.
this is a great idea to explore these places in a safe and enjoyable way. and adding the storybooks is much helpful here for us.
In this era of corona virus everything regarding to travel is difficult But it is not like that we should not travel. these tips are really very helpful.
Yes, you are right and the thing which is important is to take care of ourselves if we do this we can travel anywhere.
wow ! this is really amazing and thank you for giving enough details . this is going to be very helpful . After this lockdown situation I will visit Europe.
You’ve been under lockdown all spring, and summer is finally here. But it’s a COVID-19 summer, and it likely won’t look like any other in modern history. Still, the wanderlust is strong.“People want to travel. It’s a wonderful part of life.If you’re thinking about traveling later this summer, factor in the possibility that your destination may face a new outbreak before you arrive. You can make your plans now for a destination that appears to be relatively safe, but it may not be safe two to three weeks later.
I am trying to find out what dates the apples are harvested in the Annapolis Valley and area. We are taking a trip around the southwest area of Nova Scotia and would like to go at harvest time. This would include any other fruit harvesting. I can t seem to find any approximate dates. Thank you.
this is touristy. But there’s a good reason for that. Soar to the top of the Rockefeller Center via an elevator to take in the views at its observatory, Top of the Rock. You’ll be able to take in the many lights of the city from above, including a red-and-green Empire State Building.
Northern Lights are one of the most beautiful sights to see from Earth. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, I wished to visit is place. Travpart always help me to Explore the World, with Suitable packages & Travel tips.
Hi, nice blog. Very informative and helpful. Please take a few minutes to share your unaccompanied minor flight experience. Several popular airlines are listed on http://unaccompaniedminortravel.com which will help real people like you to be better informed. This is the only site that offers actual unaccompanied user travel feedback as well as all of the information you might need. This site is new so we are also anxious to hear from you if you yourself have in the past used the Unaccompanied Minor service. Thanks!
The majority of the general media coverage focused on virtual vacations, highlighting beach webcams, travel videos and virtual experiences in the destination. Additionally, U.S. News World Report featured Myrtle Beach as an affordable dream destination.
Stay at Castle Hotel and Spa and treat yourself to a Thai-inspired spa that is great for pampering or a romantic activity for couples.
New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Scenic Byway, running through the White Mountain National Forest, is renowned for its autumn leaves, making it one of the top road trips during the fall leaf-viewing season.
Good to know : Keep an eye on their Facebook page for opening day updates. And remember, the farm has chickens, geese, ducks and guinea hens walking around, so dogs are not allowed in the orchard or in the parking lot.
It’s free to enter if you’re in costume and arrive before m, so arrive on time and party the night away!
Multibillion-dollar innovation fair, largest to be held in Arab world, postponed by one year due to coronavirus.
Enjoyed reading the article above, actually explains everything
in detail,the article is extremely interesting and effective.
Best regards,
Mead Cannon
Travellers’ arrangements are being thrown into doubt, and many are wondering whether it’s worth going overseas in the first place. What should you do if you’ve booked a trip?
I am an mom who is 45 years old thanks.
“This is entirely due to airlines reducing space between rows and squeezing passengers into smaller and smaller seats, so small that there is now no longer room for a service animal on some planes,” the NDRN said. “Cramped space on planes is a nuisance to all travelers, but it now prevents some people from traveling at all.”
Discover a great camping location and book your next camping adventure. Our friendly, passionate staff is waiting to help you make the most of your experience. We can’t wait to see you!
The Arizona Family Campout Program is a one-weekend adventure designed for families who have little or no experience camping. This program will provide some equipment and introduce families to the new adventure of camping at an Arizona State Park.
Practise camping before you go, especially with young children. Talk about it with your kids. Set up a tent inside or outside, and spend some time in it.
Hello my family member! I want to say that this post is amazing, great written and include almost all significant infos.
I’d like to see extra posts like this .
I enjoy reading your website Have you got a instagram i can connect to?
Corona (COVID-19) is made herbal everywhere now corona travelling worldwide so there is no any option for travelling this day only how to prevent so what you mention it is really nice I will follow off your suggestion thank you for the nice forum.
Love to spend time near Sea !
I wish i can be there soon and to feel myself on how beautiful it is.
It is always better to have more space when traveling with children.
Known as “Kidsburgh” thanks to all the family-oriented activities in the area, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is an affordable and fun pick for families. Book tickets to popular attractions, like the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, on the VisitPittsburgh
Love watching movies every morning !
If you Love small cruise tour visit Amsterdam
Love to spend time near Sea !
First time visiting your website, I enjoy your website!
je visite l’ensemble des pages du site tout le temps tres bien fait
longue vie au blog
Trekking In Nepal is one of the most popular tourist Activities. Trekking in Nepal generally involves walking on trails with beautiful views for around 6 to 8 hours a day. In a trek, a trekker walks along routes with the variety of land topography including passes, river, high altitude routes, and much more. Travelers enjoy trekking in Nepal because they can enjoy the beautiful nature and sceneries of the country.
Nepal is a land of wonder and home to 8 breathtaking mountains above 8000 meters. These include Mt. Everest (the tallest mountain in the world), Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Dhaulagiri, etc. Needless to say, these are some of the tallest mountains in the world. These mountains and the wonderful trails nearby make trekking in Nepal a delightful prospect.
All of these mountains are well-protected. Besides, the area and surrounding forests form a part of many national parks and conservation areas. There are many lakes, gorges, waterfalls, and culturally significant places nearby these trekking areas. Thus, people from all over the world dream of trekking in Nepal.
There are many trekking in Nepal, Some of these treks are short in length. These treks last anywhere from a day to one week. On the other hand, there are also longer treks that can take anywhere between a week and a month.
Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Everest Base Camp treks are some of the most popular treks in Nepal. These treks are moderate in their length.
Langtang valley trek, Everest view trek, and Ghorepani Poonhill trek are some of the popular short treks. Due to their short span, these Short treks in Nepal tend to cost a lot less than longer treks.
As you trek to the high altitude, high Himalayas and their beauty will greet you. Panoramic mountains and the beautiful sunrise/ sunset amidst the soaring mountains will be a delight.
Most trekking areas are also declared as national parks and conservation areas. These are home to beautiful species of birds and animals. You can get to see some exotic animals, butterflies, and birds during your trek in Nepal.
Belgium forbade all international travel early in the pandemic, according to the United States Embassy in Belgium. Any travelers who are permitted entry (there are strict restrictions) must self-quarantine for 14 days. The country started easing its strict lockdown on May 4 and will continue to open parts of the country in a phased way, but tourism is not among the phases.
wow, What a journey, totally impressed
I really like your post..
Agra is one of the best beautiful places in India and the Taj Mahal is one of the Beautiful world heritage places in the world. Thanks, for sharing great information learn something new today.
Have a vehicle in Tracy, California that I need driven cross country to Columbus, Georgia.