MP's high tea raises money for women's health
A gold coin donation Hamlin High Tea was organised by the Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie for the Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia organisation.
The December 8 event was attended by representatives of many different community organisations in Mayo and aimed to raise awareness about obstetric fistulas.
Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia works to restore the health and dignity of women who have survived childbirth injuries, particularly obstetric fistulas.
Obstetric fistulas are an internal injury caused by an obstructed childbirth and leave women incontinent.
The organisation was founded over 50 years ago by Australian doctors Catherine and Reg Hamlin.
The surgeons came to the African nation for a three-year posting and then stayed.
“Representatives from Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia met with my office recently and we were inspired by the work of the organisation,” Ms Sharkie said.
“I know through my involvement with Mt Barker Zonta, and its work preparing birthing kits for women in developing countries, just how hazardous childbirth can be for some women.
“It’s easy to forget that when you live in a Western country with a modern and accessible health system.
“Childbirth is especially risky for girls who marry at a very young age and carry children before their bodies are fully developed.
“Fistulas not only cause long-term, debilitating health issues for women, the injuries also lead to them being ostracised by their communities.
“Taking part in the Hamlin High Tea raises money for the work of the organisation but it is also a way to acknowledge the plight these women who live thousands of kilometres away.
“Next year we hope to organise a larger event in co-operation with the Carly Ryan Foundation.”
The December 8 event was attended by representatives of many different community organisations in Mayo and aimed to raise awareness about obstetric fistulas.
Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia works to restore the health and dignity of women who have survived childbirth injuries, particularly obstetric fistulas.
Obstetric fistulas are an internal injury caused by an obstructed childbirth and leave women incontinent.
The organisation was founded over 50 years ago by Australian doctors Catherine and Reg Hamlin.
The surgeons came to the African nation for a three-year posting and then stayed.
“Representatives from Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia met with my office recently and we were inspired by the work of the organisation,” Ms Sharkie said.
“I know through my involvement with Mt Barker Zonta, and its work preparing birthing kits for women in developing countries, just how hazardous childbirth can be for some women.
“It’s easy to forget that when you live in a Western country with a modern and accessible health system.
“Childbirth is especially risky for girls who marry at a very young age and carry children before their bodies are fully developed.
“Fistulas not only cause long-term, debilitating health issues for women, the injuries also lead to them being ostracised by their communities.
“Taking part in the Hamlin High Tea raises money for the work of the organisation but it is also a way to acknowledge the plight these women who live thousands of kilometres away.
“Next year we hope to organise a larger event in co-operation with the Carly Ryan Foundation.”
Attending a Hamlin High Tea were Greg Moore from the Victor Harbor Men’s Shed, Lee Voysey from the Adelaide Hills VIEW Club, Lynda Garlick from the Adelaide Hills Hand Spinners and Weavers Guild, Helen Holliday from VIEW, Federal Member for Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie, Sonya Ryan from the Carly Ryan Foundation, Tracey-Lee Cain from the Mt Barker Ministers Fellowship and Di Lancaster from Mt Barker Zonta.
