An Update: The Fistula and Empowerment Program (FEP)

By: Habiba Cooper Diallo

I am very delighted to say that our Fistula and Empowerment Program (FEP) pilot project that ran from April 10th to June 14th was very successful! 

'Fistula 101' with Habiba. Explaining to the participants the technical aspects of fistula

In April, I introduced the girls to obstetric fistula by showing the film A Walk to Beautiful. Then, they learned about the anatomy of obstetric fistula (essentially how it occurs from an obstructed labour). 
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Yolanda gave a very enlightening seminar on ‘shadeism,’ and its effects on many Black women by featuring a documentary film on the topic. 

With a few of the participants. From left to right, Ntombi, Marsha, myself, and Yolanda

Yolanda leads seminar about 'shadeism.' The discussion that followed was very detailed

In May, we continued learning about fistula including the social consequences for fistula patients. For the ‘empowerment’ part of the session we had telling discussions around circumcision and female societies such as ‘Bondou’ in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Ntombi gave a powerful seminar around stereotypes about Black people and education and the consequences this has for the mental health of Black people. Later in the month, Rafeeda gave an extremely impressive seminar about natural hair, entitled “Am I More Than My Hair?’

Samia and Yolanda

Rafeeda leads a fantastic seminar on natural hair care!

Rafeeda and Dr. Cooper

From Ntombi's seminar about stereotypes about Blacks and education

'The Social Side of Obstetric Fistula,' examining how fistula impacts the social lives, mental health, and economic potential of the affected women

Moving into June, the girls studied and discussed other aspects of obstetric fistula and fistula awareness-building in Canada. They also considered birthing practices among various nationalities and how to increase information about access to fistula treatment for women living in remote areas. 

More on fistula, and 'Bondou' and circumcision

Our guest speakers included Halifax Poet Laureate, El Jones, WHOI board member, Dr. Afua Cooper, program coordinator for the Dalhousie University Promoting Leadership in health for African Noca Scotians (PLANS), Michelle Patrick, and health activist and writer, Abena Amoako-Green.

Halifax Poet Laureate, El Jones, recites poetry and leads seminar with girls about sexual violence and women's rights in and outside of Canada

WHOI board member, Dr. Cooper leads session about fistula, birthing practices, and sexual-awareness

FEP remained small-scale all throughout the three months as far as funding was concerned, for we did not have any capital to put towards the program. What’s great is that in spite of our lack of funding, everyone helped to sustain the program by pitching in wherever necessary, whether that meant contributing refreshments, or bringing in materials like films and articles to share with the group. As well, our guest speakers were fantastic and we thank them immensely for sharing their insights with the group.

We are on track to continue FEP for the 2014-2015 year beginning in October. See you then!

Dr. Cooper with participants after session

Michelle Patrick, program coordinator for the Dalhousie University Promoting Leadership in health for African Noca Scotians (PLANS), discusses educational opportunities with participants

Health activist and writer, Abena Amoako-Green, shares her experience working in health care in Ethiopia. She talks about the work taking place at some maternal health/fistula clinics in Ethiopia

Links:
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bi1bqA-n_lk
https://vimeo.com/16210769
http://www.whoi.ca/blog/fep-is-back
http://doinaoncel.blogspot.com/2012/02/shimider-fistula-obstructed-labour_22.html