Kinshasa, April 4th, 2025(CPA) – Twenty-five (25) women survivors of obstetric fistula received training in weaving household baskets, as part of their socio-economic reintegration, during a workshop organized by the ASBL Fistula program (FISPRO-DRC), according to a press release received by CPA on Thursday. “The month of March coincided with International Women’s Rights Day. As a result, 25 women survivors of obstetric fistulas were operated on free of charge, including 14 in Butembo and 11 in Kinshasa. All the patients treated received training in weaving household baskets as part of their socio-economic reintegration”, we read. According to the source, this cutting and sewing training workshop enabled patients to learn how to sew cotex or sanitary tape for women, patient outfits, operating theatre outfits or market bags, etc.
“Our doctors in Kinshasa and Butembo took part online in training organized by “Figo” on surgical repair techniques and circumferential fistulas,” the document said. The source pointed out that, in order to raise awareness in the Kinshasa and Butembo communities of the causes and symptoms of obstetric fistula, as well as where to refer obstetric fistula and pelvic organ prolapse patients for treatment, Briefings were organized in the health zones of Kongo-Central, notably Kwilu-Ngongo, Mbanza-Ngungu, Kusikivula and Kimpese, in the commune of Kimbanseke in Kinshasa, and in the health zones of Beni and Oicha in North Kivu. The same source noted that awareness-raising took place in churches, women’s groups and health structures, during CPN, CPON and CPS. As part of the Women’s Month festivities, the Butembo team took part in an activity organized by the town council and the African Bar Association (Afba) in Kinshasa, giving a presentation on the causes and manifestations of obstetric fistula. ACP/