Joyce Paulo (from the small town of Lamadi, Simiyu, Tanzania, was left devastated when her husband abandoned her because of obstetric fistula. The condition, which is caused by prolonged labor without immediate access to medical care, that left her incontinent and ashamed.
Not only did her husband sell their house, but also he sold their business – a shop that they built together. Joyce was left with nothing and without means to support herself or her children. She was ostracized by her community and had nowhere to turn.
Joyce suffered greatly due to this traumatic experience until she received treatment for her condition through Amref Fistula project. With the help of this project, Joyce started her own income-generating activities by opening a new kiosk. She received psychosocial support along with entrepreneurship training and seed funding.
Joyce is now a successful businesswoman with a thriving kiosk, which improved her standard of living significantly. She runs the business with the newfound confidence and raised self-esteem that Amref’s training has given her.
Speaking about her experience, Joyce expressed gratitude for the support she received. She said, “I never thought I could recover from obstetric fistula, but when I received treatment, my life changed for the better. Now I have my own business, and I am able to support myself independently.”
Joyce’s story is one of hope and resilience and highlights the importance of organizations like Amref Health Africa in improving women’s health and empowering them to transform their health and their lives. The partnership with local organizations such as MAPERECE ensures that women like Joyce can receive the support they need to successfully rebuild their lives and ultimately lead to long-term decreases in fistula levels in the regions.
Joyce’s inspiring story is a testament to the transformative power of the Amref Fistula project. Not only has it given her a new lease on life, but it has also empowered her to be self-sufficient and independent. The initiative serves as a beacon of hope for women across the country who suffer from this debilitating condition.
