Voices
EVERY WOMAN DESERVES TO BE HEARD
Stories of Survival, Hope and Strength
Here we share the lived experiences of those most affected by maternal health challenges—
and the hope that emerges through resilience and care.
Mariama
Mariama is disabled and needed a cesarean for her baby Moses. After surgery she developed a severe infection and required further hospital care. Sepsis remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in Sierra Leone.
Mariama
During the war Mariama was raped and later suffered seizures from eclampsia. Traditional beliefs saw her illness as a curse, but at the hospital she finally received treatment. She still walks with a cane, yet her story shows how accessible, trained midwives can prevent such outcomes.
Ramatu
Ramatu cares for her little sister since their mother died of malaria after childbirth. Malaria causes anemia that can lead to fatal bleeding. With skilled midwives, many of these deaths could be prevented.
Salimatu
Salimatu dreamed of becoming a teacher. At 13 she was raped by her uncle, shamed by her family, and denied hospital care during childbirth. Her baby died, but a local midwife saved her life. Now she slowly rebuilds her hope.
Francis
Francis lost her first baby at 15 and suffered from incontinence for years. After surgery at Aberdeen Women’s Center she returned to school. Inspired by the nurses who helped her, she dreams of becoming one herself.
Mariatu
Mariatu was in labor for five days, and a traditional birth attendant used a log to press on her stomach. She suffered fistula and leaked urine for years, shunned by her community. After surgery she slowly found acceptance again and now hopes for a safe cesarean delivery.
Francis
Francis was a teenager when her parents threw her out after discovering she was pregnant. With no support, she found refuge in a home for unwed mothers run by an NGO. There she gave birth to Samuel, and today both are thriving.
Mikki
At the fistula hospital Mikki plays the drums, celebrating women who are discharged after months of treatment. Most lost their babies and return to communities that once rejected them. With trained midwives, many of these tragedies could have been prevented.
Fatmata
After three days of obstructed labor, Fatmata arrived at the hospital unconscious. Her baby died soon after birth, but she survived thanks to antibiotics and a transfusion. Village traditions had delayed her transfer, showing how dangerous these barriers can be.
Bernadette
After several stillbirths, Bernadette finally received prenatal care and a skilled midwife at delivery. When labor stalled, the midwife transferred her to a hospital for a cesarean. Today she holds her healthy baby with gratitude.
Midwife Abibatu
After her training on maternal mortality, Abibatu knows how to plan ahead and respond fast. She has already changed outcomes in her village by recognizing danger signs early.
Fatu
Fatu is the fourth wife of her husband. She has lost three babies and fears for her life with every pregnancy. Severe headaches and vision problems make her weak, yet her husband still demands more children.
Midwife Victoria
Victoria has been a midwife for many years in a small rural hospital. She provides prenatal care with very few resources but knows how to spot risks and transfer women when needed. Her experience has saved many lives.
Aminata
Aminata, 16, came to the midwife bleeding at 29 weeks with no prenatal care. She was diagnosed with placenta previa and transferred to a hospital. Staying near skilled care will save both her and her baby’s life.
Hannah
Hannah was forced into marriage at 13 with an elder who already had three wives. A traumatic birth left her with lifelong injuries and unable to bear another child. Like many girls, she faces stigma and despair in a society where suicide is common among young, uneducated women.
Abibatu
Abibatu is only 15 and already survived a traumatic birth. Her baby did not live, and her husband rejected her. After fistula surgery she is back in school, learning about family planning and hoping for a brighter future.
Midwife Alice
Alice completed her training and now serves her community with confidence. She recognizes risk factors and acts quickly and continues to hone her clinical and leadership skills.
Patricia
Patricia once faced traumatic births. This time, a trained midwife referred her early to a hospital with doctors. She safely delivered her daughter and celebrates the gift of skilled care.
Fatti
Fatti is 9 years old and cares for her baby brother after their mother died giving birth. She cannot go to school anymore because she must help at home. Her story shows how loss affects an entire family, even the youngest children.
Midwife Ami
Ami walks through markets searching for pregnant women. She encourages them to visit the clinic so their pregnancies can be checked and they can give birth safely. By bringing care to the streets, she helps women who might otherwise be missed.
Evelyn
Evelyn was born prematurely, but a midwife quickly recognized her mother’s contractions and arranged a hospital transfer. Thanks to timely action, both mother and baby survived.
Glady Glady
Every Thursday at the Aberdeen Women’s Center, women who had fistula surgery celebrate their discharge. Each receives a new dress, marking a fresh start. For many, it is the first time they feel joy and dignity after years of pain.
Known locally as “Glady Glady,” the ceremony is more than a celebration – it restores dignity and belonging. Families often join; there is singing, dancing, and encouragement from the care team. The new dress becomes a symbol of resilience and a welcome back into community life.
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