Meet the Women

Helene Wamuzila, 22

Since Helene was 14 (she is 22 now), she has been kidnapped and raped, disowned by her family, and endured 8 different surgeries for fistula- none of which have been fully successful. Despite having a tragic story of sexual slavery at the hands of multiple rebel and army groups, Helene's spirit has not been broken. A leader among the patients at Panzi Hospital, she continues to pursue life with much hope for the future. A future in which she dreams of getting an education and starting a small business. Helene believes with the upcoming election - the first of its kind in over 40 years - peace and stability is right around the corner for her and her fellow patients.