Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti reminds us of the gender-related needs of women--particularly in times of disaster. But success stories do exist. This is Caroline's story.

Tuesday’s earthquake in Haiti reminds us how vulnerable women and

children are – particularly in times of disaster. Poor and disadvantaged women

tend to be unequally affected by natural disasters and are often

overrepresented in death tolls.

One of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti already has the

highest rate of maternal

mortality in the region – 670 deaths per 100,000 live births. Pregnant

women in and around the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince, lack access to even

the most basic health services.

Although the odds are against women in Haiti, and against women throughout the

developing world, success stories do exist: Caroline Ditina is a young woman in the Democratic Republic of Congo who

successfully survived obstetric fistula — a medical condition that the World

Health Organization (WHO) calls "the single most dramatic aftermath of

neglected childbirth."

Last week, this same young woman was highlighted in Secretary Clinton’s

landmark speech, during which she cited Caroline’s story as a reminder that "Every woman everywhere deserves

high-quality care not only at her most vulnerable hour, but at every single

stage of life."

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Below, you can watch Caroline’s story for yourself. During an interview with

the United Nations Foundation, she spoke about the social, emotional and

economic challenges of obstetric fistula.





Caroline Ditina is a young woman from the Democratic Republic of Congo who successfully survived obstetric fistula – a medical condition that the World Health Organization (WHO) calls the single most dramatic aftermath of neglected childbirth. Last week, Caroline was highlighted in Secretary Clinton’s landmark speech. Secretary Clinton cited Caroline’s story as a reminder that every woman everywhere deserves high-quality care not only at her most vulnerable hour, but at every stage of life.

In developing countries, an estimated two million women are living with

fistula, with an additional 50,000 to 100,000 new cases occurring each year.

The average cost of fistula treatment – including surgery, post-operative care

and rehabilitation support – is $300, which is, unfortunately, well beyond the

reach of most women with the condition. Because of the stigma attached to the

condition, women who develop fistulas are often abandoned by their husbands,

rejected by their communities, and forced to live an isolated existence.

Caroline’s story, and the stories of millions of women like her, continue to

remind us of the importance of addressing the needs and rights of women and

girls – particularly those who are most vulnerable. Caroline is a success

story; many are not so lucky.

To learn more about how the United Nations Foundation is working with the UN

Population Fund (UNFPA)’s Campaign to End Fistula to help more women like

Caroline, click

here.