PAWAS

PAWAS At PAWAS, we aim to create a Pan African Forum to educate, empower our women and the greater populations at large.

We aim to support our women in surgery by contributing to their professional and personal goals towards improving regional healthcare.

To the mothers who inspire, support, and lead - today we celebrate you.
10/05/2026

To the mothers who inspire, support, and lead - today we celebrate you.

Dr Lindiwe Sidali — First African Female Cardiothoracic Surgeon in South Africa👩🏾‍⚕️ She became the first African female...
01/04/2026

Dr Lindiwe Sidali — First African Female Cardiothoracic Surgeon in South Africa
👩🏾‍⚕️ She became the first African female cardiothoracic surgeon in South Africa (2018)
🎓 She trained in Cuba, earning her Doctor of Medicine, and later completed a Fellowship in Cardiothoracic Surgery (SA)
🫀 She specializes in life-saving heart and chest surgery,
— treating conditions of the heart, lungs, oesophagus, and trachea
💪🏾 She rose from a rural village, overcoming barriers in a male-dominated specialty
🌍 She broke barriers and opened doors,
— becoming a powerful role model for African girls
— proving that background does not define destiny
🎓 She champions education, mentorship, and access, inspiring the next generation of surgeons
💡 Driven by purpose, she chose surgery to serve her people and save lives
✨ She operates. She leads. She breaks barriers. She inspires.

Dr Gloria Tshukudu — Pioneer in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in South Africa👩🏾‍⚕️ She became the first Black female ...
01/04/2026

Dr Gloria Tshukudu — Pioneer in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in South Africa
👩🏾‍⚕️ She became the first Black female plastic and reconstructive surgeon in South Africa (2013)
🎓 She trained at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and earned a Master of Medicine
🏥 She specializes in plastic & reconstructive surgery,
— restoring lives of cancer survivors after tumour removal
— treating trauma patients from accidents and injuries
💡 She redefines plastic surgery,
— showing it is not just about aesthetics
— but about healing, restoration, and dignity
🌍 She broke barriers and expanded representation, inspiring more women to enter surgical specialties
✨ Through her work, patients don’t just heal — they regain confidence and self-worth
✨ She operates. She restores. She empowers. She inspires.

Dr Ncumisa Jilata — Africa’s Youngest Neurosurgeon👩🏾‍⚕️ She became Africa’s youngest neurosurgeon at just 29 (2017)🎓 She...
01/04/2026

Dr Ncumisa Jilata — Africa’s Youngest Neurosurgeon
👩🏾‍⚕️ She became Africa’s youngest neurosurgeon at just 29 (2017)
🎓 She earned her fellowship with the College of Neurosurgeons of South Africa
🧠 She specializes in neurosurgery,
— treating conditions of the brain and spine
— advancing care in one of medicine’s most complex fields
💪🏾 She broke barriers, becoming one of only a few Black female neurosurgeons in South Africa
🌍 She inspires a new generation, showing that women can lead in highly specialized surgical fields
🏛️ She was recognized nationally, praised by President Cyril Ramaphosa for her achievements
💡 Driven by curiosity and passion, she chose the brain—“the seat and the soul”—as her life’s work
✨ She operates. She leads. She inspires.

Prof Nene Elsie Nwada Obianyo — Pioneer in Paediatric Surgery, Nigeria & West Africa👩🏾‍⚕️ She became one of Nigeria’s fi...
01/04/2026

Prof Nene Elsie Nwada Obianyo — Pioneer in Paediatric Surgery, Nigeria & West Africa
👩🏾‍⚕️ She became one of Nigeria’s first female surgeons with FRCS (1974)
🎓 She trained in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, specializing in Paediatric Surgery
🏥 She made history in 1988,
— co-leading the first successful separation of conjoined twins in Nigeria at UNTH Enugu
🏫 She broke academic barriers,
— becoming the first female Professor of Surgery in Nigeria
— and later the first female Emeritus Professor of Paediatric Surgery in West Africa
🌍 She represented Nigeria globally, serving with the World Federation of Associations of Paediatric Surgeons
🎓 She mentored and trained generations of surgeons, shaping the future of paediatric care
💪🏾 She overcame adversity, continuing her education despite the Nigerian Civil War
💡 She championed excellence, resilience, and innovation in surgery
✨ She operates. She leads. She pioneers. She inspires.

Dr Caroline Nompozolo — Pioneer for Black Women in Medicine👩🏾‍⚕️ She defied apartheid-era barriers, overcoming racism an...
01/04/2026

Dr Caroline Nompozolo — Pioneer for Black Women in Medicine
👩🏾‍⚕️ She defied apartheid-era barriers, overcoming racism and sexism to pursue medicine
🎓 She trained in the UK through the Triple Qualification pathway,
— studying in Glasgow and qualifying as a physician in 1942
🏥 She specialized in midwifery and paediatrics, later practising medicine in the UK
🏅 She gained recognition through affiliation with the Royal Colleges of Surgeons and Physicians
🌍 She pioneered representation for Black South African women,
— breaking access barriers in global medical education
— inspiring future generations to pursue medicine despite systemic oppression
✨ She operates. She resists. She pioneers. She inspires.

Pr NGO NONGA BERNADETTE — Pioneering Female Surgeon of Central Africa👩🏾‍⚕️ She became the first female surgeon in Camero...
01/04/2026

Pr NGO NONGA BERNADETTE — Pioneering Female Surgeon of Central Africa

👩🏾‍⚕️ She became the first female surgeon in Cameroon & Central Africa

She broke barriers in a male-dominated field

🎓 She trained in Belgium and the United States, specializing in General & Cardiothoracic Surgery

🏥 She advanced surgical practices and care in Cameroon, contributing to complex life-saving procedures

🎓 She educated and mentored future generations of doctors and surgeons, inspired several females to become surgeon

🏫 She led academic excellence as Coordinator of Surgery and Specialty Department at the University of Yaoundé I

🔬 She contributed to research through scientific publications

🌍 She transformed inclusion and representation,
— serving as a powerful role model for women in surgery across Africa
💡 She champions inclusion, excellence, and opportunity in medicine

🫱🏾‍🫲🏾She guided her students with maternal

✨ She operates. She leads. She inspires.

Dr Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi — Pioneer Gynaecologist & Icon of Women’s Health in Nigeria👩🏾‍⚕️ She became the first fema...
01/04/2026

Dr Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi — Pioneer Gynaecologist & Icon of Women’s Health in Nigeria
👩🏾‍⚕️ She became the first female physician to practice in Nigeria
🎓 She trained in Dublin (1938), earning distinction and a licentiate in surgery
🏥 She specialized in Obstetrics & Gynaecology,
— advancing maternal and women’s healthcare in Nigeria
— improving care for pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health
🏥 She served as Chief Consultant & Medical Director at Massey Street Hospital
🌍 She championed women’s health and leadership, including as President of the National Council of Women’s Societies of Nigeria
🏅 She was honoured with MBE and OFR for her impact
✨ Her legacy lives on through the Dr Abimbola Awoliyi Memorial Hospital in Lagos,
— a lasting symbol of her dedication to care, leadership, and women’s health
💡 She transformed lives through medicine and opened doors for generations of women
✨ She operates. She cares. She leads. She inspires.

👩🏾‍⚕️ Are you a woman surgeon? Your story matters.The Pan African Women’s Association of Surgeons (PAWAS) invites you to...
24/03/2026

👩🏾‍⚕️ Are you a woman surgeon? Your story matters.
The Pan African Women’s Association of Surgeons (PAWAS) invites you to be featured in the “She Operates” Campaign — celebrating women surgeons across Africa who are breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation.

✨ It only takes a few minutes to participate.
Please share:
• Your short profile responses
• A high-resolution portrait photo
• Optional photo in the operating theatre or with your team
Help us highlight the powerful stories of women cutting through barriers and healing a continent.

📩 Send your responses to:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEXldfSsILrHvD4NHx_0zAXbE-7yvcWBERHA3uEcxg1A7fbA/viewform?usp=header

Join our online Global Surgery Day Campaign to promote Female representation in Surgery* Across Africa, women are trans...
25/05/2025

Join our online Global Surgery Day Campaign to promote Female representation in Surgery*
Across Africa, women are transforming surgical care — one patient, one scalpel, one breakthrough at a time.
This Global Surgery Day, PAWAS stands proud to amplify the voices, skill, and leadership of African female surgeons.
Representation is not just a statistic — it’s access, mentorship, and life-saving care for millions.
Let’s build a future where every girl who dreams of surgery sees herself in the OR.
Take a picture of yourself with this: https://www.snapchat.com/lens/8c8497966c45424f931a669bfd9888bf?sender_web_id=31662bf5-4586-49bd-9186-22a5819775c8
💬 Join the campaign:
📸 Share your story.
🧵 Post in scrubs.
🩺 Tag a mentor.
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Join PAWAS at the 65th International Scientific Conference & Annual Meeting of the West African College of Surgeons for ...
18/02/2025

Join PAWAS at the 65th International Scientific Conference & Annual Meeting of the West African College of Surgeons for an empowering session on Female Leadership in Surgery! 👩‍⚕️✨

📅 Date: February 20, 2025
⏰ Time: 08H00
📍 Venue: Salle Banquet 4

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with trailblazing women in surgery as they share insights, challenges, and strategies for leadership in the field. Let’s break barriers and shape the future of surgical excellence together! 💪🏾🔬

Address

Nairobi

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
Sunday 09:00 - 13:00

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