bracelets of hope

Between Typepad reconfiguring their end, and the wind blowing down the tower that provides my internet access on my end, I've really been falling down on the blog. Desole.

The other day I visted the fistula clinic at the National Hospital. Fistula injuries occur during protracted, obstructed childbirth. They result in incontinence, which in turn results in the affected women being shunned by their families. The injury is simple to repair, but requires some time to heal; currently there are only 6 doctors in Niger who perform the surgery. Fistulas would be simple to prevent if there were access to emergency medical services. The women undergoing the procedures often need more than one procedure and rather than travel back and forth to their villages, end up living in the courtyard at the clinic for months as they heal from their surgeries

Some ladies who currently are in residence make things to sell to make money. I'm sporting their handiwork on both arms as I write -- beaded bracelets. The money they earned will go directly to the women themselves, providing them with a bit of income to spend as they like, and by this I mean daily necessities like fabric and soap.

Comments

[niger1]

WHAT ?? they have tower that provides my internet access in NIamey that s how they do it
That is so obsolete , HAVE THEY heard of Wireless internet access most big cities in the world have that now invisible internet provider that follows you in public places
Paris , Berlin and soon New York will be fully covered
courtesy of the local government
Now when Nigerien deputies will get an idea about what the internet is ( because they dont use it ) then may be they will start reduce taxes on bringing a laptop in Niger

[niger1]

WHAT ?? they have tower that provides my internet access in NIamey that s how they do it
That is so obsolete , HAVE THEY heard of Wireless internet access most big cities in the world have that now invisible internet provider that follows you in public places
Paris , Berlin and soon New York will be fully covered
courtesy of the local government
Now when Nigerien deputies will get an idea about what the internet is ( because they dont use it ) then may be they will start reduce taxes on bringing a laptop in Niger

[Ann]

that is so sad about the women being shunned by their families. At least they are managing to earn some income.

[AraratDailyPhoto]

I've heard about Dr Hamlin(?) an Australian doctor who works with women with fistula injuries. I think she might be in Ethiopia.
Before I saw her on tv - I didn't know such a thing existed.

[Chuck Pefley]

It's good some are able to get treatment. There is so much pain and suffering the could be removed if only proper medical care were available. Kudos to you for helping support these women!

Please excuse my intermittent comments lately. Summer (well in some parts of the world) brings much extra work my direction. I'll visit and leave a comment as often as possible, however.

[julia]

We hope that more can be done, I hear reports of this problem.
wireless technology: what a rave!

[julia]

We hope that more can be done, I hear reports of this problem.
wireless technology: what a rave!

[Dina]

Shalom Dina, from the other Dina.
So glad to find your blog today.
See you again.

[Kris]

It must be very frustrating that something seemingly so simple can cause such turmoil. I wish these ladies every ounce of luck in their endeavour!

[Felicia]

Hi Dina. I'm happy to know that women make things and the money goes directly to them which is not always the case. And thank goodness for those 6 doctors!!