International Women’s Day at Songas

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

The women at Songas chose to support other women in need and joined forces with the Comprehensive Community Based Rehab in Tanzania (CCBRT) which provide treatment for obstetric fistula.  The women of Songas took the opportunity to speak to those suffering and gave them hope and courage to seek treatment and chase their dreams.  Songas also provided a donation to the CCBRT to go towards the treatment needed.

While Tanzania has made significant progress in its healthcare development and improvement of maternal health indicators, there is still a long way to go. Nine out of 10 births are done in hospitals in Dar es Salaam, the country’s capital, but in rural areas most women still give birth at home without the assistance of a skilled attendant. This, coupled with lack of access to emergency obstetric care, significantly increases a woman’s risk of developing obstetric fistula should complications arise.  As a result, obstetric fistula remains one of the causes of women social exclusion by preventing them from socializing, from undertaking activities, and from adding value to their community and society.

The women of Songas got the opportunity to speak to women and gave  them hope and courage that, their dreams are still valid and they must continue to chase those dreams after obtaining the treatment.

Thank you for the inspiration ladies!