In the discreet shadows of Senegal's remote villages, some suffering remains silent, buried under the weight of tradition and lack of care. Hawa Diaw, married at the age of 13, is a perfect illustration. A mother of seven children, the majority of whom were born at home, she experienced difficult labor pains. Her last delivery, marked by a serious complication, required an urgent transfer to Tambacounda for life-saving surgery.

"The day I gave birth, I suffered enormously. My baby was slow to come into the world and came out through my foot first. My whole family was worried, especially my husband, who went to the mosque to repeat prayers to implore divine protection. Finally, I gave birth, but my condition required an emergency transfer to Tambacounda, where I underwent an operation that went well," she said from the outset.

She said: “At the time, I was only 34 years old and this was my seventh child. The complications didn’t stop there. My health gradually deteriorated. I was weakened and bleeding continuously, as if my period never stopped. Thanks to God, I was able to count on the unwavering support of my family. My uncle, living in France, regularly sent me money, and my husband didn’t hesitate to sell horses and oxen to cover my medical costs.”

“I am now recovered even though I continue to use sanitary napkins…”

In her quest for healing, she visited several health centers, notably in Saint-Louis and Ziguinchor, without success. It was in Tambacounda that she says she finally found better care. "I had several operations there. However, this last procedure, performed on my intimate area, marked a decisive turning point in my recovery," she said.

Hawa Diaw said she used many medical products such as antiseptic soaps, disinfectants, deodorants, and perfumes to maintain her hygiene and limit discomfort during her fight against the disease of shame. "Today, I am over 50 years old and I still live with my husband. I am now recovered, although I continue to use sanitary napkins as a precaution in case I have any discharge during the day."