SOME 62 women who have survived Fistula, have been undergoing training sessions aimed at helping them start businesses and fight poverty.

Vodacom Foundation, together with CCBRT has facilitated a programme dubbed 'Mabinti Centre,' that has seen the women gain knowledge on various activities such as knitting clothes, bags and mats.

The programme that was started in 2007 under CCBRT Hospital in Dar es Salaam is aimed at empowering the women and helping them fight poverty, as well as regaining their self esteem.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam, Katia Geurts, Mabinti Centre Coordinator, said that most of Fistula survivors come from poor backgrounds, hence the need to support them in every way possible.

"These women have had a hard time in the past. Dealing with this condition is traumatizing. That is why we are committed to support them too and also to ensure that once they go back home they have something beneficial to do for themselves and also their families," said Geurts.

"With these certificates, they can easily get employment at a place of their choice, since this is enough proof that they have qualified in that particular field," she said.

On her part, Ms Jane Rugalabamu, the programme's trainer and also a fistula survivor, said that men across the country should not shy away from supporting women who have fistula programme.

Vodacom Foundation Manager, Ms Grace Lyon, while speaking on behalf of Vodacom Tanzania and the Vodafone Group, assured that all women suffering from fistula shall be supported in order to get well through the Moyo Campaign.