HABIBA COOPER DIALLO
  • Home
  • Who Am I?
    • Bio
    • My Journey
    • Features
    • Awards and Recognitions
  • Anafghat's Story
  • Fistula
    • What is Obstetric Fistula
    • Fistula Fact Fridays
    • Presentations
  • Books
    • #BLACKINSCHOOL
    • Yeshialem Learns About Fistula
  • WHOI
  • CONTACT
  • Product

HABIBA COOPER DIALLO
FISTULA ADVOCATE. WRITER. SPEAKER

An Update: The Fistula and Empowerment Program (FEP)

6/14/2014

2 Comments

 
By: Habiba Cooper Diallo
Picture
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! 
Picture
'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). 
​

Yolanda gave a very enlightening seminar on ‘shadeism,’ and its effects on many Black women by featuring a documentary film on the topic. 

Picture
With a few of the participants. From left to right, Ntombi, Marsha, myself, and Yolanda
Picture
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?’
Picture
Samia and Yolanda
Picture
Rafeeda leads a fantastic seminar on natural hair care!
Picture
Rafeeda and Dr. Cooper
Picture
From Ntombi's seminar about stereotypes about Blacks and education
Picture
'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. 

Picture
Picture
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.

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

Picture
Dr. Cooper with participants after session
Picture
Michelle Patrick, program coordinator for the Dalhousie University Promoting Leadership in health for African Noca Scotians (PLANS), discusses educational opportunities with participants
Picture
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
Picture
Links:
​

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
2 Comments
maria
2/3/2016 04:31:22 pm

Where are you at with this program? Is anyone working for fistula funding in Canada?

Reply
Habiba Cooper Diallo
11/28/2017 08:18:28 am

Hi Maria, sorry I'm just seeing your comment now. If you'd like, you can email me at director@whoi.ca and I'd be happy to answer all your questions.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Habiba Cooper Diallo

    I am a Canadian end fistula advocate and blogger, and the founder of the Women’s Health Organization International, WHOI. I have been doing fistula awareness-building in Canada for the past 12 years. My work on fistula has led me to Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone. I have been featured in Forbes, the HuffPost, and UNFPA
    Get in touch here

    Buy My Book
    Picture

    Categories

    All

    Archives

    June 2020
    April 2020
    July 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    September 2018
    May 2018
    February 2018
    November 2017
    August 2017
    February 2016
    June 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014
    November 2013
    August 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2012
    February 2012

    RSS Feed

NEW BOOK
launches on September 4, 2021!

Picture

PURCHASE:
- University of Regina Press
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Waterstone
- Indie Bound

    STAY IN TOUCH...

Subscribe to Newsletter

FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA...

    CONTACT

Submit

 © 2023 Habiba Cooper Diallo. All rights reserved.  
  • Home
  • Who Am I?
    • Bio
    • My Journey
    • Features
    • Awards and Recognitions
  • Anafghat's Story
  • Fistula
    • What is Obstetric Fistula
    • Fistula Fact Fridays
    • Presentations
  • Books
    • #BLACKINSCHOOL
    • Yeshialem Learns About Fistula
  • WHOI
  • CONTACT
  • Product