A New Beginning: Shida Marwa’s Journey from Suffering to Empowerment
Wednesday, 30 October, 2024
A New Beginning: Shida Marwa’s Journey from Suffering to Empowerment
At 60 years old, Shida Marwa’s life has been marked by resilience and a quiet struggle against the debilitating effects of fistula, a condition she endured for 42 years. A resident of Namagondo village in Ukerewe District, Mwanza Region, Shida’s story is one of transformation, hope, and newfound empowerment.
Shida first encountered fistula in 1982, following the traumatic birth of her first child. A family tragedy forced her to travel for a funeral just as she began experiencing labor pains. Isolated and in pain, she delivered her baby at home without medical assistance. Unfortunately, she soon discovered that she was leaking urine, a condition that would follow her for decades.
Despite enduring stigma and mistreatment from her first husband, who derided her with names like “urine leaker,” Shida persevered, giving birth to eight children, though she suffered the loss of two. After a painful marriage marked by abuse and neglect, she found a second partner, Tegeja, but continued to hide her condition out of fear of rejection.
For years, Shida led a life of isolation, plagued by depression and stigma, avoiding social interactions and even church attendance. When her second husband left, she became the sole provider for her family, working various small jobs while continuing to manage her condition in silence.
In 2024, a turning point came when Shida’s sister-in-law learned about Amref Health Africa’s fistula program through an ambassador named Sikitu. After initially dismissing Shida’s struggles, she realized the gravity of her situation and facilitated Shida’s journey to Mwanza for treatment.
Upon arrival at Bugando Hospital, Shida underwent tests that confirmed two fistula holes. On June 18, 2024, she received life-changing surgery. After an 18-day recovery with a catheter, Shida experienced a remarkable transformation no longer leaking urine for the first time in decades.
Following her discharge in July, Shida was invited back for entrepreneurship training, where she chose to raise goats as a sustainable business. With newfound confidence, she has committed to re-engaging with her community, promising to attend village meetings and school functions.
Today, Shida’s smile has returned, along with her hope for the future. She is deeply grateful to Amref Health Africa for restoring her dignity and health, and she is determined to serve as an ambassador in her village, helping others who suffer in silence.
The project is funded by an anonymous donors and is a partnership between Amref Health Africa UK, Amref Health Africa Tanzania, Magu Poverty Focus on Older People Rehabilitation Centre (MAPERECE), CCBRT, and Bugando Medical Centre (BMC). The project aims to reach all fistula victims in Mwanza and Geita regions. Shida’s story is a testament to the power of support and community, and a reminder that change is possible, even after years of hardship.
Amref Health Africa teams up with African communities to create lasting health change.