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.
What an amazing blog, I enjoy reading
Bringing to you the most unique holidays covering the most beautiful parts of Himachal. Tirthan: Located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, Tirthan Valley derives its name from the Tirthan river, which winds its way through it. Tirthan Valley is one of the less-visited places which makes it more beautiful and peaceful. The natural beauty of the place is alluring enough, it gives you an offbeat destination taste without bringing you to a remote area. Some of the highlights of the trek include beautiful meadows with flowers in full bloom, glaciers feeding into the Tirthan Valley, and the views of the higher snow-clad ranges
here is a very beautiful destination in India where you want to travel with zenithholidays – tour & travel company
Awesome post.
My brother recommended I might like this web site.
He was entirely right. This post actually made my day.
You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for
this info! Thanks!
Have you ever thought about creating an e-book or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog centered on the same subjects you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would value your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email
Everyone loves it when people come together
and share ideas. Great website, keep it up!
Which superpower would you like to have? (Multiple choice)
Dude, Mike Murray… You are living my dream, man. If I could and had all the money in the world, I would love to just jump in my car and drive drive and drive for just siteseeing… Thank you for your awesome blog posts.
Hello! It looks very interesting, great post, thanks. I used to play paintball a lot myself. But now is the time that you need to spend a lot of time at home. During a pandemic, it is important not to stop and sit still, but to study something, read, write articles or blogs. I recommend a useful resource in my profile with very sensitive material that requires due attention, which will be relevant to you, go ahead and study the pros and cons of gun control, and think for yourself over this issue and the problem in general. Good luck to everyone and health!
I love what you wrote here
Thanks-a-mundo for the post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.
good article! to covid Covid-19, of course, did not affect the travel plan, I buy insurance ttps://ekta.insure/
Thank you! very interesting information. i have a young daughter who really wanted to learn how to ski.
Thanks for finally talking about > Okemo and Stowe and the Vail Effect | My Family Travels < Liked it!
Very informative and interesting article. Well done!!
I am also a travel blogger, my website is http://www.travelsimplygo.com
Hello, I read your blog daily. Your story-telling style is awesome, keep it up!
Enjoyed every bit of your blog article. Much obliged. Yoshiko Wyrick
There is certainly a great deal to learn about this topic. I like all of the points you have made. Lynett Adams Berne
Thank you so much for doing the job here, everyone will certainly like your post.
Best regards,
Lunding Zacho
Great article.
Great info. Cheers.
very useful and interesting information. every year we flew with my family to Norway to ski. but this year we are staying at home.(
thanks for this wonderful post! it is magical)
Wow…really amazing blog.
I really like the way you describe the post..
Nice post.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with us. Loved your blog!
I appreciate you sharing this blog article. Really thank you! Keep writing.
I appreciate you sharing this blog article. Really thank you! Keep writing……………..
Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with us. Loved your blog!….
Nice post.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with us. Loved your blog!
First-class article it is really. My father has been searching for this info. Dotty Ernie Coltson
Really nice post!
What a wonderfull blog !
Hey guys!What could be a better way to prepare ourselves for the upcoming travel plans with some music companions for our trips later.Lets boost our trips with some awesome singalong memories together!
Found this awesome playlist to share the love around.Have a great and wonderful day ahead!
I appreciate you sharing this blog article. Really thank you! Keep writing. Jsandye Caesar Joli
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this article plus the rest of the site is really good. Gretta Araldo Riana
I have included this write-up to my bookmarks
Terrific article
I agree with you
there are a lot of really good hotels and resorts in Playa del Carmen
Lot of good material here keep up the good work
Lot of good material here keep up the good work
Wow…really amazing blog.
I really like the way you describe the post..
Nice post.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with us. Loved your blog!
world is changing
Thanks for finally writing about > Haunted Houses for Kids And Halloween Weekend Breaks < Liked it!
Great article! We will be linking to this great article on our website. Keep up the great writing.
Have you ever wanted to travel and work abroad?contact us today and we just might make that happen
Whatsapp:+1(845)243-3187
Great read!
My subscribers on Twitter would really like this post. Is it okay if I link it to them?
Hello to everybody,
First of all let me introduce myself: my name is Daniele Baraldi and I work for Top Service, a Company that deals with travels and products conceived for families with kids.
I would like to bring to your attention a new concept of traveling. A virtual interactive tour upon many different locations that children can follow comfortably from home for those families who want to offer their kids the opportunity to explore their origins directly live from their sofa by interacting with a kid-friendly guide.
This new product, built up in a playful and educational way, is a new and entertaining one that can surely raise an interest in your community.
I really hope we will soon get in touch for a trial.
Look forward to hearing from you soon. erbaralds (at) gmail.com
thank you,
Best regards.
Wow…really amazing blog.
I really like the way you describe the post..