Nkhotakota, Malawi — "The doctors told me after the operation that they had made a minor mistake," recalls Gladys Nkhoma. "I didn’t realize that mistake would change my life forever."

In early 2022, Gladys began experiencing persistent abdominal pain. At first, she assumed it was a simple infection. But after trying multiple medications with no relief, she decided to seek further medical attention. A visit to a major hospital in Lilongwe for a scan turned out to be a life-saving decision.

Doctors discovered a large tumour in her uterus. Given its size, immediate surgery was necessary. But after the operation, something felt off. She noticed the medical team speaking in hushed tones.

"I grew concerned and asked one of the doctors what was wrong," she says. "That’s when he admitted that the operation wasn’t entirely successful due to a minor mistake. But they didn’t tell me what the mistake was, and I was discharged."

Days later, Gladys realized she was involuntarily wetting herself. Alarmed, she returned to the hospital, where she was referred to the fistula centre within the same compound. It was then that the reality of her situation hit her—her bladder had been accidentally damaged during surgery, causing a fistula.

"I was in shock. I always thought fistula was a childbirth-related condition," she says. "But I had given birth normally and never experienced complications before."

Fortunately, Gladys underwent a successful fistula repair surgery later that year. But the experience left a lasting impact. The three months she lived with fistula felt like a lifetime of isolation, self-doubt, and despair.

"I had to rely solely on my family," says Gladys who works as medical assistant at a mission hospital in Nkhotakota. "I couldn’t even confide in my friends, except for my boss, because the constant wetting kept me from living a normal life."

Her recovery required six months of rest at home. During that time, she reflected deeply on her ordeal. Instead of allowing the experience to define her, she decided to become an advocate for other women suffering in silence.

After everything I went through, I knew I had to make a difference. No woman should have to endure the same indignity.

Becoming a Champion for Women

Determined to turn her pain into purpose, Gladys reached out to the UNFPA-supported Bridging Hope Project, funded by the Government of Iceland. She offered her help in identifying and assisting women and girls suffering from fistula, ensuring they received the treatment they desperately needed.

Her efforts quickly bore fruit. In 2023 alone, Gladys identified and referred eight women to Bwaila Fistula Centre for life-changing surgery.

"It’s not an easy job," she admits. "I have to travel to remote areas in my district, spreading awareness and finding women in need of help."

To support her mission, the project provided her with a bicycle for mobility and a cell phone for communication. But even with these tools, some villages remain difficult to reach.

Gladys has found creative ways to expand her reach. She speaks to patients at the hospital where she works, educating them about fistula and encouraging them to connect her with others who may need help.

"One day, I engaged a charcoal seller who comes from deep inland," she says. "I asked him to be my contact in his area. He took the role seriously and referred two women with fistula to me. Because of him, they received treatment and were healed."

Empowering Women Beyond Treatment

Gladys’ passion for helping others doesn’t stop at referrals. She also imparts her tailoring skills to fistula survivors new in the trade. One of the women Gladys is helping is 21-year-old Thoko Ziyada from Mphangwa village in the district.

Thoko developed a fistula after an obstructed labour ruptured her uterus.

"If it weren’t for Gladys, I would still be suffering," Thoko says. "She made me realize what I had and ensured I got the treatment I needed at Bwaila Fistula Centre."

To help Thoko reintegrate into society, the project provided her with a sewing machine.

"When I had fistula, I cut ties with my friends out of embarrassment," she says. "But Gladys never abandoned me. She visits me every week, checking in and helping me sharpen my tailoring skills."

A Mission Without an End

For Gladys, the journey is far from over. She believes she can surpass last year’s achievements and reach even more women in need.

"So many women in Nkhotakota are suffering in silence," she says. "That keeps me awake at night. I will not stop until every woman and girl in my community is aware of this condition, and those who need help receive it."

Joseph Scott, Communications Specialist