18:I[3951,["972","static/chunks/972-987bd523a847d6b8.js","291","static/chunks/291-d2ebe58dea7c76fd.js","434","static/chunks/434-70d224e702899e42.js","959","static/chunks/app/(main)/blog/%5Bslug%5D/page-383f4b74cd629b3a.js"],"default"] 1a:I[1459,["972","static/chunks/972-987bd523a847d6b8.js","291","static/chunks/291-d2ebe58dea7c76fd.js","434","static/chunks/434-70d224e702899e42.js","959","static/chunks/app/(main)/blog/%5Bslug%5D/page-383f4b74cd629b3a.js"],"default"] 19:T77d,

Uterine fibroids affect roughly 70 percent of women during their lifetime, yet they remain under-discussed, underfunded, and for many women in Tanzania, financially out of reach to treat. This post is about a small attempt to change that through a painting.

Lupita na kapu la matunda was inspired by Lupita Nyong'o, who spoke publicly about her own fibroid diagnosis in [year], bringing rare mainstream attention to a condition millions of women navigate largely in silence. The painting draws on symbolism of the body, fertility, healing, and nourishment, a celebration of women's strength and a quiet acknowledgment of what so many carry.

From the start, I intended the artwork to do something beyond hang on a wall. 50% of the proceeds, i.e. 600,000 TZS was set aside to directly support women receiving fibroid treatment.

That commitment led me to CCBRT Hospital in Dar es Salaam, which works extensively in reproductive and maternal healthcare. Through conversations with the hospital's leadership, a specific need emerged: vasopressin vials, a medical supply used during fibroid surgeries to reduce bleeding and complications. These vials are expensive, often difficult to source, and rarely covered by insurance. For many women, their absence delays or prevents surgery entirely.

The donation of 33 vials was presented to the hospital on 16 June 2026. It is a small contribution against a large problem, but it is concrete and directed at a real gap.

If this resonates with you, CCBRT accepts direct donations at