| Advocates Speak at the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations | | Print | |
| Posted by Katherine | |
 July 2009, Geneva- Fistula survivors have gained global recognition as powerful advocates for maternal and reproductive health. UNFPA and partner organizations have worked with fistula advocates in a variety of settings including panel discussions, speaking engagements, and congressional testimony. Most recently, Sarah Omega Kidangasi, a fistula survivor and maternal health advocate from Kenya, brought her personal story and powerful message before the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. "I speak with conviction, passion and emotion, on maternal health because every woman has a right to live, laugh and live again". - Sarah Kidangasi, Fistula Survivor and Advocate (pictured right, photo: United Nations / Jess Hoffman)
Ms. Imbruglia participated in the High Level Segment of ECOSOC where she urged participants to make fistula a thing of the past.
“Obstetric fistula was eliminated here in Europe and the United States more than 100 years ago. It's unacceptable that women and girls in developing countries are still suffering from this entirely preventable and treatable condition.”
- Natalie Imbruglia, Virgin Unite ambassador and spokesperson for the Campaign to End Fistula (pictured left, photo: United Nations / Jess Hoffman) Ms. Kidangasi participated in the High Level Segment of the Meeting, as well as in a side panel on public-private partnerships to address obstetric fistula. Her presentation focused on her experience living with fistula and how her life changed after treatment. She emphasized the need to ensure safe pregnancy and child birth for all women and the importance of girls' education and empowerment in preventing fistula. Like many fistula advocates, Ms. Kidangasi's efforts extend beyond global advocacy events to include work at the community level. In Western Kenya, she leads outreach and education initiatives in community schools and churches, to share information about fistula prevention and treatment and encourages facility-based deliveries. Her story of courage and empowerment is an inspiration to others and a significant contribution to the maternal health dialogue at the global level. Sarah Kidangasi was joined at ECOSOC by Natalie Imbruglia, the Virgin Unite ambassador and spokesperson for the Campaign to End Fistula. Ms. Imbruglia participated in the High Level Segment of ECOSOC where she urged participants to make fistula a thing of the past. She spoke about her work calling awareness to fistula and maternal health over the past five years. Through the Virgin Unite-UNFPA partnership, Ms. Imbruglia has raised over 875,000 euros for the Campaign to End Fistula.
|
Sarah Kidangasi was joined at ECOSOC by Natalie Imbruglia, singer, actress and advocate.
