Adanech sustained a devastating obstetric fistula during the birth of her seventh child, which left her incontinent and in immense physical and emotional pain. She withdrew from her family and community.
Following transformative fistula surgery at both Hamlin’s Yirgalem and Addis Ababa Fistula Hospitals, Adanech was eager to rebuild her life. During the Women’s Empowerment Program at Desta Mender, Adanech trained in handicrafts, food preparation and poultry farming, but her passion was agriculture and animal husbandry.
Adanech started her own business with the seed money she was given. She invested in a cow and a goat and saved her earnings. She encouraged other women to do the same and they pooled their resources to strive for a brighter future, together.
“They [Hamlin staff] helped me triumph over pain and isolation to stand tall as a beacon of hope and resilience.”
