Safe Motherhood Ambassador Mastewal
Region: Amhara
Mastewal married at the age of 17 and became pregnant shortly thereafter. In accordance with tradition, she returned home to give birth. However, since her parents live 15 kilometers away from a health center, she had to rely on traditional birth attendants, who unfortunately could not assist her effectively.
Tragically, she lost her baby and developed a fistula. Due to a lack of understanding about her condition, her community believed it was a curse. After corrective surgery, Mastewal entered the Healing Hands of Joy residential rehabilitation and training program, and began working as a Safe Motherhood Ambassador (SMA) to raise awareness of fistula.
She reached 124 women through awareness-raising events at conferences for pregnant women and at churches. Of those, 109 women gave birth at health centers, while the others are currently receiving follow-up antenatal care. Additionally, she educated 230 women about family planning and identified eight new cases of fistula. As one of the beneficiaries of income-generating activities (IGA) supported by HHoJ, Mastewal used her funding to purchase a weaving machine. Previously, while working for other weavers, she earned 600 Birr for each article of clothing she produced. Now, she receives 1,500 Birr for the very same job as her own boss. Additionally, she brought her sister, who was formerly living in a rural area, to Gondar City and is supporting her education. In her spare time, her sister assists her with the business.
Since Mastewal wants to expand her business, HHoJ has asked the Women’s Association to provide her with a space to work and sell her products. Additionally, HHoJ staff, along with their families and friends, have purchased and continue to promote her traditional cloth business. Mastewal expressed her gratitude, stating, “HHoJ is my home. Compared to my previous situation, my current circumstances feel dreamlike. Your support has elevated me to this level. Thank you
all so much!”