Barbara May Foundation

09/06/2026

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY to join us online to hear directly from the inspiring Valerie Browning, or Maalika, as she is known locally to the Afar people in Ethiopia.

12.30pm, Thursday 18 June, online!

Register today - https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/d1HeA9k6ThmrB_Hyst8u1Q #/registration

08/06/2026

This is what compassionate care feels like 💙

Sometimes it’s hard to put into words the peace and warmth that patients feel at our partner hospitals. Despite the turmoil, shame, fear and hardships they may have faced outside these walls, when they come to our hospital they are met with respect and compassion.

This June you can help us give 300 more vulnerable women the kind of care we would want for our own mothers, sisters and daughters.

Every donation is a message of support to our partner hospitals and these women in need.

👉 Here’s where you can join us: https://barbaramayfoundation.com/her-dignity-fund-appeal-2026/

05/06/2026

Join us for a VERY special event to meet the one and only Valerie Browning!
• 12.30pm
• Thursday 18th June (AEST)
• Online Zoom

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/d1HeA9k6ThmrB_Hyst8u1Q #/registration

P.S Don’t forget to share this with your friends, colleagues, Rotary, church and school communities!

05/06/2026

What a privilege for some of our Australian team to visit the stunning Afar region of Ethiopia recently.

These traditional Afar dome-shaped buildings are called ‘daboitas’. They’re designed as homes and meeting places, to provide shelter and respite, as well as a place to meet or pray. Our team was warmly welcomed to enjoy a break from the heat of the desert while sharing a meal.

Valerie Browning and her work amongst the Afar people was featured recently on national television, see more here:
https://barbaramayfoundation.com/news/barbara-may-foundation-featured-on-national-television/

04/06/2026

Ester is a teenager who suffered with incontinence from an obstetric fistula injury. She was shamed daily.

Then she came to one of our partner hospitals, in Tanzania, and her life began to change.

Watch her story here: https://barbaramayfoundation.com/her-dignity-fund-appeal-2026/

02/06/2026

“Ending obstetric fistula is possible. We already know how to prevent it.”

KAREN BAKER, of the Barbara May Foundation, says obstetric fistula "is a condition of poverty, distance and inequality"...

28/05/2026

Monica (left) is a fistula patient who came from the Dodoma region in Tanzania, where we are currently supporting the building of a new maternity hospital.

If Monica had been able to attend antenatal classes, she would have known her pregnancy was high-risk and that getting to hospital early was important.

Right now, it’s just bricks and mortar. But we see far more – we see a vision of a thriving hospital, ensuring women like Monica can give birth safely 💙

This past weekend we marked International Day to End Obstetric Fistula. Our vision is not just treatment, but eradicating fistula completely.

Find out more about our hospital project: https://barbaramayfoundation.com/news/announcing-phaedra-hospital-hope-life-and-legacy/

25/05/2026

Another baby born during the night in Vision Maternity Care Hospital. Every day, women are giving birth and babies are getting the best start at life.

We hope you never forget that your support made this possible.

23/05/2026

Can you believe this 🤯

There is hope for the women of Africa. If we can eradicate fistula in the western world, then we can do it in places like Tanzania, Ethiopia and Uganda too.

Today is International Day to End Obstetric Fistula. It costs $620 to treat a woman suffering with incontinence due to childbirth injuries. And only $280 to provide a woman with a safe childbirth, preventing fistula in the first place.

Together, for the women of Africa, let’s not just treat fistula – let’s eradicate it. As we’ve done here at home.

Help end fistula today – https://barbaramayfoundation.com/how-can-i-help/

22/05/2026

Salma (right) suffered with a birthing injury for 40 years.

She was rejected by her family. Moving from place to place trying to find treatment, Salma suffered a life of ostracism and pain.

…Until she came to our supported hospital in Tanzania, where women receive expert fistula treatment.

Today, at 70 years old, she is finally cured. Here she is pictured (right) with a dear friend she met during treatment. She’s no longer alone.

This International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, we want to celebrate every one of the thousands of women whose dignity has been restored through obstetric fistula treatment at one of our partner hospitals or fistula camps. Salma is just one of them.

🥰Thank you to everyone who has given a donation and supported fistula treatment.

So, from Salma, this message is for you: “I am well again. May God bless you all.”


(Salma's name has been changed to protect her privacy)