As I read the New York Times this weekend I was pleased to see a contribution from Fatima Hassan, a recent graduate of Stanford University and the 2008 winner of the Americans for UNFPA Student Award for the Health and Dignity of Women. Last year Fatima travelled to Uganda & Rwanda to visit UNFPA field programs and share her experience online through a blog on MarieClaire.com.

Fatima’s memories and life experiences have been greatly influenced by the war in Somalia, her parents homeland. Her commitment to improving the health and lives of women is global. It is humbling for us, at Americans for UNFPA, to see Fatima continue to tell the stories of her travel with us and to see that the stories of the women she encounters are in fact etched in her soul.

I encourage you to read her piece, “Documenting Brutalities to Change the World.” I’m offered much hope with women like Fatima, emerging as our future leaders.

Picture: Fatima Hassan. Credits: Americans for UNFPA.

An estimated two million women are living with fistula in developing countries, with an additional 50,000 to 100,000 new cases occurring each year. Even more tragic is the fact that every minute a woman dies in childbirth. All most all of these deaths and injuries could be prevented.

In Kristof’s article he recounts a Pakistani saying, “If your cow dies, that is a tragedy; if your wife dies, you can always get another.” We can all agree that this statement is outrageous. But what’s worse, is the reality that that the sentiment is echoed in many countries around the world.

UNFPA’s Global Campaign to End Fistula is now working in more than 45 countries in Africa, Asia and the Arab region to prevent fistula, while also treating and rehabilitating those who endure this devastating childbirth injury. UNFPA is also leading efforts to improve access to contraception, skilled birth attendants, and emergency obstetric care to ensure that no woman dies living life.

But more support is needed to elevate the status of women globally. I encourage American readers to visit www.americansforunfpa.org/iam to get involved.