Overview

I am a 50 year old single mother of four and fistula survivor. Seven years ago I had a difficult childbirth and labored for three days. The child was eventually delivered by C Section and thankfully survived but I was left with a fistula. This caused my husband to leave me and remarry.

My goals are to start a small business making Kiondo bags. I learned to weave the bags in a workshop with an organization called Beyond Fistula.

I need $350 to purchase materials for Kiondo bag making. I will buy the fibers of the sisal plant to make the bags.

Meeting this need will help me because I am the only breadwinner for my four children. Once I have the materials to start, I will be able to earn income to support them with food and school.

Validated

Validated by Debra from Beyond Fistula (What does this mean?)

Ruth has struggled greatly - when she got a fistula her husband, who was abusive, abandoned her to care for their four children alone. She also suffers with epilepsy and has a limp, making it difficult for her to do manual labor. Ruth has been very worried about caring for her kids, but since our Kiondo workshop, where I met her, she has new hope. I have seen her drive to get her small business off the ground so that she may provide for her four children. Beyond Fistula will continue to provide her support in her journey.

About Debra

I am the co-founder and Executive Director of Beyond Fistula. I founded the nonprofit in 2012 after seeing how much these young Kenyan women needed help rebuilding their lives after recovering from a childbirth injury known as obstetric fistula. I am endlessly motivated by their hope and tenacity… Read more