Project Title: Empowering Women with Obstetric Fistula

Location: Africa → Tanzania

Grant Amount: $50,000

Grantee Website: kuponafoundation.org

Mission of Kupona Foundation
The Kupona Foundation empowers people and communities in Tanzania to realize their potential by improving their access to healthcare. At optimal health, individuals and their families thrive, breaking the cycle of poverty.

Summary
The Empowering Women with Obstetric Fistula project empowers women living with obstetric fistula through the provision of holistic treatment including identification and referral, treatment, and post-operation care. It also includes a socio-economic empowerment program through The Mabinti Centre. By developing skills in sewing, screen printing, beading, business, and English, Mabinti empowers women with the tools and confidence needed to become financially independent, either by starting their own businesses or securing employment.

The following are the expected impacts of this grant:

Direct: 232
Indirect: 603


Why We Love This
This project directly advances gender equity through lifesaving maternal care and long-term economic empowerment for some of Tanzania’s most marginalized women. By pairing medical treatment with vocational training and psychosocial support, Kupona ensures that women recovering from fistula are not only healed physically but able to rebuild their independence and dignity. We appreciate that Kupona’s approach addresses root causes and lifelong impact. Their collaboration with a locally-led healthcare system, focus on respectful, rights-based care, and success in reducing maternal and neonatal deaths clearly demonstrate a sustainable, data-driven model that uplifts vulnerable women and girls at every stage of the reproductive health continuum.