Kenya
Our ongoing, 6-year partnership with LEFI, led by fistula survivor Sarah Omega, empowers women through Solidarity Groups for mutual support in social reintegration and economic empowerment after surgical treatment. Prior to WFF’s partnership, Seattle’s One by One and LEFI provided 1000+ free fistula surgeries and in 2017 launched 11 Solidarity Groups to support 200 women with Reintegration and Empowerment programs. Under WFF, LEFI has converted to an independent NGO, multiplied empowerment services to 26 Groups for 500+ women, added Safe Motherhood injury prevention outreach activities for all Solidarity Groups, and launched new programs for school children.
Highlight: Young Champion Fistula Clubs (YCFC) were launched with 108 adolescent and teen members in 2021. In partnership with the Ministry of Health, the Clubs teach adolescents and teens from all regional schools how to reduce their childbirth injury risk & promotes education and economic independence over early marriage.
- 411,973 – Community members reached with Prevention & Treatment messaging
- 1,136 – Small Businesses run by fistula survivors for economic empowerment
- 1,000 – Free Surgeries
- 534 – Survivors reintegrated back into their communities
- 108 – Students in the Young Fistula Champions Fistula Club
Safe Motherhood Education
LEFI’s Ministry of Health approved curriculum, Safe Motherhood, was developed to prevent childbirth injuries through community outreach education by survivors. With LEFI’s 500+ Solidarity group members acting as teacher advocates, LEFI also raises awareness of the availability of injury treatment.
Listen to Sarah
“I’m looking forward to be a voice. I just want to give back what the program has given to me. I’m looking forward to serve the community and [be] a voice worldwide.”
