Walk for Tabita
On Sunday 7 March 2010, nearly 50 different walks were organised by our supporters around the country to raise awareness and funds for our work improving women's health worldwide. Almost £20,000 has been raised so far and there's more on the way, for which we send all our walkers and their sponsor – and of course the organisers - huge thanks.
In 2011, we hope to have more walks to celebrate International Women's Day so do visit this site again towards the end of this year to find out how you can get involved.
If you would like to organise a walk before then, you can download our pack from the resources page. Contact us at events@vso.org.uk if you have any questions.
Thank you again to everyone who helped us make this event such a success. The funds raised will help VSO recruit more volunteers to share their skills and change the lives of women like Tabita in those countries where we work.
Jane Quayle
Event manager
Tabita's story
Around the world, women walk miles and miles every day, whether to collect water, tend fields, go to markets, or get medical assistance.
Tabita lives Sierra Leone. She was in labour for several hours at home with a traditional birth attendant, when she was advised to go to the health centre in the next district. When Tabita arrived at the centre, no-one there had the training to perform the caesarean section she needed.
Tabita set off for the district hospital, but the hospital lacked the equipment needed for the operation. Finally, Tabita arrived at Magbenteh Health Centre. By now, she had been in labour for three days. At Magbenteh, Tabita had an emergency caesarean section. Sadly, because Tabita had not received proper medical attention, her baby was already dead and Tabita was left with a lifelong disability.
How VSO is helping
The clinic where Tabita received life-saving treatment was set up with the help of VSO volunteer midwife, Zoe Vowles. Zoe is working with local colleagues to provide health education in the community. Local women and traditional birth attendants – who normally help deliver babies – are learning what to expect during pregnancy and recognise when to seek professional help.
VSO volunteers like Zoe are making a huge difference to the lives of women around the world.
