What do we do as a foundation?

Nepal

Prolapses of the womb occur frequently in Nepal, and to a severe degree. Young women in particular suffer from this complaint. Life is difficult in a poor country like Nepal. In this high mountainous country (Himalaya!) women are low on the social ladder. Nevertheless, they are the pivotal point of the family. They look after the children, work in the fields, carry water, collect firewood, etc. in the high mountains. Women give birth to children at a very early age. Work continues as normal during pregnancy. There is often no assistance during delivery and immediately afterwards they are called to work once more in the fields. These difficult living conditions contribute to the occurrence of prolapses of the womb. A prolapse is easy to diagnose and treat.

The foundation

Women for Women is a small Dutch NGO that has the objective of promoting the health of Nepalese women. The foundation translates this objective into addressing the problems of prolapse in women in Nepal. The thought is that improving the wellbeing of women benefits the entire family.
Women for Women visits Nepal twice a year with teams consisting of medical volunteers. Together with Nepalese doctors, health workers and gynaecologists, we give treatment in outpatients' departments in difficult-to-access regions. If required, we perform surgery in local hospitals. A lot of attention is given to training the Nepalese healthcare workers. They ensure that the work continues when we are not there.
The women who are treated are called back later for a check up. This allows the project to be evaluated. The intention is that in the end the project will be carried out entirely by the Nepalese.