The Fistula Art Exhibit

WHERE THERE WAS SILENCE
THERE IS NOW A VOICE

Obstetric fistula is a devastating injury that leaves women incontinent, socially stigmatized, and in great suffering. The story of fistula unfolds in obscurity, but at last, survivors have found a way to speak through the art of quilting. The women the world forgot are beckoning us to come closer so we may know them at last.

A partnership Between The Fistula Foundation & Quilts for Empowerment

Inspiration & Awareness

"Why don’t you create a quilt art exhibit that tells the story of these women as a way of raising awareness about fistula?” This question from a Quilts for Empowerment supporter quickly became the inspiration for the Fistula Quilt Exhibit. Read how the seven art panels came to be through the dedication and resilience of a small group of fistula survivors in rural Kenya. We have shown this exhibit in Lincoln City, Salem, Sisters and more. The exhibit was displayed at OHSU from May through August 2024. Please let us know if you would like to have the exhibit presented at event that you are promoting by contacting sharon@quiltsforempowerment.org

Video Made by Fistula Foundation

In Labor for Days

Long labors are the leading cause of obstetric fistula.

Death of an Infant

Over 90% of infants born to mothers with obstetric fistula are stillborn or die shortly after birth.

Attempted Rape

Sexual assault is another leading cause of fistula.

Emotional Suffering

All fistula survivors experience severe emotional suffering because of the isolation and shame caused by leaking.

Physical Suffering

Constant leaking is an unending source of physical pain and some women develop permanent nerve damage as a result of fistulas.

Fistula is Treatable

Over 1 million women worldwide suffer from fistula because they do not know that surgical treatment is an option.

Hope and Healing

Joining a fistula survivor support group after treatment provides emotional healing, ends isolation, and sparks hope.

Preview of the Exhibit’s Panels

Fistula survivors in Quilts for Empowerment's program need you to give their voice a platform. They have created a series of seven art panels telling the journey of fistula, from its beginning in the deepest shame to its culmination in healing and community, and now we need venues to host the project.

A partnership to help educate & bring awareness

Let Us Tell You About Fistula exhibit is a partnership between two nonprofits, Fistula Foundation and Quilts for Empowerment, with the purpose of amplifying the voices of fistula survivors.