To celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, the team at StoCare wanted to shine the spotlight on amazing women with stomas. This is because we believe that platforming real stories is vital for breaking stoma stigma and helping women from all backgrounds to feel represented, empowered and connected with others who they can relate to.
We asked these women what they have learned through their stoma journey – and the mix of responses we had was fascinating and inspirational. Continue reading to discover 5 strong women and what their stoma surgery has taught them.
Martha has a urostomy which has changed her outlook on life. She said: “My urostomy, Flo, has taught me that life doesn’t end when you need a stoma, and in fact, it’s like being given a second lease at life. I can be me again, without my bladder destroying me and taking that away. I can see a future for myself now, which before my stoma surgery, I couldn’t.”
She shares her story on her Instagram page @marthamumbyx, including photos of her skiing trip!
She is helping to smash stoma stigma and reminds us: “Stomas save, change and improve lives, and they’re nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed by, be proud of you and your stoma.”
Jessica is an 11-year-old with a colostomy. She provides hope for other children going through stoma surgery via her social media pages (run by her mum Kim) and publicity work. She is an ambassador for stoma charities such as Colostomy UK and Buttony Bear, and shares her experiences and advice for things like going on school trips. This makes a big difference for other children, helping to boost their confidence and show them they are not alone on what can be a daunting journey to adapting to living with a stoma.
She is proud of the stoma community and said: “My stoma has taught me that we are not different, we are unique, and we are a community of being there supporting others.”
Omma has Crohn’s disease and she lives with an ileostomy. When she was diagnosed, she didn’t know anyone else with Crohn’s or a stoma. She couldn’t see anyone on social media who looked like her. It was an isolating experience, which is why she now shares her story online.
She told us: “My stoma has taught me that it’s okay to grieve the life you had before and the one you could have had. Acceptance that life is different now doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate the lease of life my stoma has given me.”
This is a powerful reminder that emotions around your stoma can be complicated; gratitude can co-exist with grief.
Read our piece on quality of life in stoma patients
Laura has two stomas – a urostomy and a colostomy – after a battle with a rare form of bladder cancer. She won that battle and now enjoys travelling regularly, including holidays abroad and work trips.
As she explained: “My stoma has taught me that nothing is off limits. From long-haul Caribbean escapes with my husband to work trips in Germany… it’s all still possible. It just takes a little extra prep – packing smart, taking spares, and being ready for anything. But don’t let your stoma hold you back… life is still there to be lived, explored, and enjoyed!”
We have spoken to Laura to discover her full story – read Laura’s article here
Emily never thought she’d be able to get married thanks to debilitating ulcerative colitis, but stoma surgery changed her life for the better. She later had Barbie bum surgery. She has since got back to hitting the gym, got married, had a baby and become a stoma advocate.
You can read her full story here: Emily’s story
She said that her stoma has taught her to prioritise her health and be more in touch with her body: “One thing I’ve learnt through having my stoma is that every day is a learning opportunity to appreciate your body, focus on your health and take care of your wellbeing!”
We’d like to say thank you to everyone who participated in our International Women’s Day campaign this year! These women, as well as so many more, are helping female ostomates to feel seen, heard and empowered. Stoma surgery can be isolating due to stigma, and it’s important to know that you are not alone and many people understand what you are going through. You can connect with them via various resources including:
Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association