ABSTRACT
Obstetric fistula is a hole in the birth canal, bladder, or rectum caused by prolonged and obstructed labour that results in an uncontrollable flow of urine and stool. According to the World Health Organisation 2018 report, more than 2 million young women from Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia live with untreated obstetric fistula. In Malawi, obstetric fistula is common among rural women. Women with fistula usually have a bad odour. They are consequently discriminated against and excluded in their communities, and have limitations in mobility and participation in social activities in their communities.
This chapter seeks to interrogate the intersection of religion, health, and gender on this invisible disability and how the three elements lead to discrimination against people living with disabilities. Factors that contribute to obstetric fistula include poor healthcare systems and gender inequality.
This qualitative study investigates how obstetric fistula affects the health and well-being of women. It engages the Circle’s narrative/storytelling approach to bring healing to traumatised women and African Women’s theology of disability as a theological lens with a focus on understanding obstetric fistula as a disability. The findings will help to end discrimination against affected women and allow them to access medical attention and healing.
