Walk 25kms this October. Help restore a woman's life.
Hamlin Barefoot Walk 2026
This October, walk in solidarity with women in rural Ethiopia who often travel long distances to reach life-changing care - while suffering one of the most devastating childbirth injuries imaginable.
Registrations are free and open now!
Why we walk
In rural Ethiopia, many women living with obstetric fistula walk for hours - sometimes days - to reach medical care.
đź’” Imagine losing your baby after an agonising labour, then being left incontinent and isolated by obstetric fistula.
More than 22,000 women in Ethiopia are estimated to be living with this devastating childbirth injury.
Dr Catherine Hamlin AC dedicated her life to ensuring these women were not forgotten. Every step you take continues her legacy—helping another woman reach treatment, healing and a future with dignity.
How it works
Walk 25km
This is the average distance a woman walks to reach medical care in Ethiopia đź’”
Fundraise
Aim to raise $1,500 — the cost of one fistula repair surgery. Every dollar helps change a woman’s life.
Change a life!
Restore the health and dignity of a woman suffering from obstetric fistula.
Semenesh* walked 25kms for a chance to heal
After three days of obstructed labour without medical care, Semenesh suffered a devastating double obstetric fistula and lost her baby.
For three years, she lived isolated and incontinent, with little support and no access to treatment. Then, determined to find help, Semenesh walked more than 25kms to reach her nearest health clinic.
That journey eventually led her to Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, where she received surgery, physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Today, Semenesh is healed and looking to the future with hope.
“For me, this is like being born again.” - Semenesh
This October, every kilometre you walk can help another woman access the life-changing care she deserves.
One day I woke up and I started a desperate journey seeking help from someone, somewhere.
- Semenesh*, former fistula patient
Walk on your own, or bring others with you
Start a team with your workplace, school, family or community group. Every step helps raise awareness and every donation brings a woman closer to healing.
Our country [Ethiopia] is very mountainous and difficult to traverse. The average walk for patients is two days to a main road and their difficulties are so enormous.
- Dr Catherine Hamlin AC
*Patient names have been changed to protect the identity of those we help.