Overview

I am a 38 year old mother of five children. After undergoing surgery in 2017, I developed an awful fistula. For five years, I endured the pain of living with a fistula and had to undergo two more surgeries to treat it. Now, I've finally recovered from the fistula and I am a survivor! Recently, I've attended Kiondo training and learned how to weave baskets! It has become my new favorite pastime.

At the moment, my main goal is to start a business where I can make and sell baskets. On the side, I would also like to open a small hotel and start a small shop to help support my big family.

I need help getting basket-weaving materials to start my business. With this business, I can use the skills I've honed in my Kiondo training classes and become successful selling baskets.

Meeting this need will help me move forward because I can start a successful basket business in my community and use this as an opportunity to get back on my feet. With my basket business, I can support myself and my family.

Validated

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

Gladys is a strong, high-spirited wife and mother. She is a fistula survivor who suffered for 5 years. After two surgeries, she finally recovered and she's ready to help support her family. She took a Kiondo training class and learned how to basket-weave. Now, she wants to open a small hotel and shop. Gladys is a strong and ambitious woman and I have full confidence in her ability to get these businesses off the ground to support her family.

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