Two organizations, one goal—ending fistula faster, for good
Updated: Oct 1
Terrewode Women's Fund and Worldwide Fistula Fund are merging
For years, we've worked with our partners at Worldwide Fistula Fund toward the same future: one where no woman faces the agony of obstetric fistula or related childbirth injuries. This fall, we’re joining forces to combining to become Maternal Dignity Project to reach more women, faster.
Why we’re merging
We are committed to our shared purpose—ending fistula through prevention and holistic treatment. As Maternal Dignity Project, we can expand high-quality surgical treatment and prevention programs. We can strengthen the reintegration and community support that makes care whole. Joining together deepens the work you’ve believed in and helps us sustain and dramatically expand it until we end fistula for good.
Joining together deepens the work you’ve believed in and will help us sustain and dramatically expand it until we end fistula for good.
About Worldwide Fistula Fund
Worldwide Fistula Fund is one of the longest-standing organizations dedicated to ending obstetric fistula. For decades, it has supported treatment and prevention across sub-Saharan Africa, working through local partners and bringing deep clinical and prevention expertise to the cause. Like us, Worldwide Fistula Fund believes that ending fistula means supporting the whole woman through prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and community.
Maimouna's Story
When conflict closed the health facilities near Maimouna’s home in eastern Burkina Faso, she traveled 65 km by motorcycle to reach care, but not before a prolonged labor caused an obstetric fistula. At ARENA Medical Center, supported by Worldwide Fistula Fund, she was met with skill and compassion. “The doctor told me my injury was complicated, but they would do their best. Now I empty my bladder by myself. It’s like a miracle.” Maimouna’s story is far too common across sub-Saharan Africa. This is why we are merging. Together as a unified organization, we can reach more women, in more places.
New leadership
As we come together, we’re bringing our leadership together, too.
Bonnie Ruder Tracy Spitznagle
Bonnie Ruder will serve as Maternal Dignity Project's executive director. A midwife with a doctorate in medical anthropology and a master’s in public health, Bonnie co-founded Terrewode Women’s Fund and serves as its current executive. Learn more about Bonnie.
Tracy Spitznagle will chair Maternal Dignity Project's board of directors. She is a Washington University professor, expert in physical therapy for pelvic floor injuries, and serves as current chair of Worldwide Fistula Fund’s board. Learn more about Tracy.
To learn more and stay up to date, visit our new website at maternaldignityproject.com, sign up for our email list, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
