HER Dignity: Community Partnerships Restoring Hope for Women Living with Incontinence.

For nearly ten years, Esther carried a burden no young woman should have to bear.

At just 15 years old, she survived sexual violence that left her living with continuous urine leakage. Beyond the physical challenges, the condition affected her confidence, limited her participation in community life, and left her silently carrying stigma for years without knowing that help was available.

Today, at the age of 25, Esther’s journey has taken a hopeful turn.

Her story came to light through Shadrack Okumu, one of WADADIA’s trained Male Involvement Champions working in Masija Village.

Through WADADIA’s community outreach model, male champions play an important role in encouraging health-seeking behaviour, reducing stigma, and helping identify women living with reproductive health conditions that often remain hidden. Their work complements the efforts of community health promoters and local leaders, strengthening referral pathways and ensuring more women reach appropriate care.

Following screening, Esther has now been referred to one of WADADIA’s partner hospitals, where she is expected to receive specialized treatment and surgical repair.

Her journey reflects the vision behind HER Dignity—WADADIA’s holistic programme that expands access to screening, referral, treatment, psychosocial support, and reintegration for women living with obstetric fistula, pelvic floor injuries, and other childbirth-related conditions.

The programme is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: every woman deserves dignity, healing, and the opportunity to thrive.

By working closely with communities, healthcare providers, male engagement groups, and treatment partners, WADADIA is helping ensure that women no longer suffer in silence simply because they lack information or access to care.

Esther’s story is a reminder that sometimes one conversation, one trusted community member, and one referral can change the course of a woman’s life.

If you know a woman experiencing continuous leakage of urine or stool after childbirth—or living with unexplained incontinence—reach out to WADADIA. Help is available, and no woman should have to walk this journey alone.