Gebeyanesh has three children and became fistula on her 4th delivery. She is a traditional health practitioner and works with MLWDO as a community advocate. At meetings and training programs with other community advocates she used to sit at the back. Her social activity was significantly reduced. To no avail, she tried to treat herself with all possibilities she knows. Too shy, she approached our staff for assistance 10 years after the incident wanting to know if there is a cure anyway.

With the help of MLWDO, Gebeyanesh is at the fistula hospital since October 2, 2006 and was treated last year. To add to the pain though, Gebeyanesh is now raped and pregnant about a year after her treatment. Elders have settled the issue traditionally where 7 goats are provided as compensation. More sad story to the nightmare, 6 of the goats paid for arbitration leaving Gebeyanesh with one goat. This is no match at all to the crime. She is denouncing the practice worried about her health and what comes next. She was happy with her life after treated with fistula and no traditional compensation can bring her health back.