Legs4Africa work closely with multiple hospitals, limb centres and clinics across sub-Saharan Africa, and identified a lack of women in the field. The charity found that gender and disability often creates significant barriers, particularly when combined with low income backgrounds and the different stigma present in many countries. The programme allows existing prosthetists to expand their skills, but also provides new opportunities to a more diverse range of people.
The project offers scholarships in prosthetic technology to enable women with limb-loss to increase their employability and build careers in the prosthetic industry, while challenging norms and stigma around gender and disability.
Through the programme, Legs4Africa, in partnership with the Tanzania Training Centre for Orthopedic Technologists (TATCOT), provides fully-funded places on their one year Certificate Course in Lower-Limb Prosthetics, including tuition, flights, accommodation and living expenses.
And the 2020 cohort, who were the first ever recipients of the scholarship, have just graduated!
Ophia Bwanali is 35, from Zimbabwe and has previously worked as a music teacher. She was in a car accident in 2007 and ended up losing most of her left leg due to the doctors in the hospital being on strike.
“Being a prosthetist has made me realise it is very easy to put a smile on a face. I am a prosthetist; I know how to fabricate a prosthetic device. I am an amputee; I understand how it feels like to have one’s mobility restored.”
Molline Masango is 32, from Northern Gokwe, a remote area in Zimbabwe. She lost both her legs in a fire when she was 6 months old. She has previously worked in cosmetics and healthcare manufacturing, and enjoys wheelchair basketball.
“Through TATCOT, I have managed to meet other female amputees around Africa. We have discussed issues concerning women with disabilities in general and female amputees in particular. We often discussed how best we can encourage and change the lives of amputees through this profession, and created strong social networks with other prosthetists.”
Winnie Mukunta is 24, from Livingstone City, Zambia. She lost her right leg in a road traffic accident 9 years ago, and has previously worked as a teacher.
“There is an enormous need to develop the field of prosthetics in my country because of the high number of people with disabilities and we have few professionals. Through TATCOT I have been able to lay a foundation in achieving greater things.”
Judith Akinyi Ajwala is 31, from Siaya, Kenya, and has a background in social work and mobilization of people with disabilities. She has been an amputee for 14 years since developing a bone infection due to osteomyelitis.
“Legs4Africa’s scholarship winners have all proved the fact that disability is no longer an inability.”
They have made lasting friendships with each other and benefitted from the company of women who share their experience, as well as the networking opportunities provided by studying at one of the main P&O institutions in Africa.
For some of them this was the first time they had ever left their home country, so they got to spend a year seeing the country, experiencing a new culture and meeting lots of people. They also are now members of Legs4Africa’s mobility network, which will invest in their future, follow their careers and continue to provide opportunities for their professional development.
Stefanie Hadley, Project Lead, Legs4Africa, said, “This project can amplify the voices and capacity of women with limb loss to become role models – whether that’s for women, for people with limb difference, for people with disabilities – and the impact that this increased visibility can have for marginalised groups and communities could be beyond what we can measure with reports and statistics.”
The next cohort of women are due to start their training on 08 November.
June
18jun10:0016:00Legal Essentials: Supporting Women at Work
18/06/2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+00:00)
Did you know that tribunal claims related to menopause, menstruation, fertility treatment and pregnancy loss are rising fast? Many employers don’t realise that these issues can
Many employers don’t realise that these issues can legally qualify as a disability under the Equality Act.
Yet most of these claims are avoidable with the right training, policies and action.
That’s why I’ve partnered with employment lawyer Hannah Strawbridge to deliver a full-day, live online course designed specifically for HR, DEI, and managers.
You will be able to:
Understand your legal obligations around women’s health issues
Recognise when they may be classed as a disability under the Equality Act
Take practical steps to reduce legal and reputational risk
Learn how to avoid tribunal claims
Handle health-related conversations and workplace adjustments with confidence
Create a legally compliant Women’s Health Action Plan
Whether you’re reviewing your current policies or building a strategy from scratch, this course will give you the legal clarity and practical support you need.
DATE: Wednesday 18th June
TIME: 10.00am – 4.00pm
PLACE: Zoom
19jun18:0021:00Discover How You Can Make a Difference at our eCubed Volunteer Social
19/06/2025 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
Arch One
83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Whatever your interests or skills, there’s a place for you on our passionate volunteer team. Together, we run inspiring
Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, nibbles, and conversation with the eCubed team. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, how we do it, and the charities we champion.
Curious about getting involved? This is the perfect chance to throw yourself into the eCubed experience and see if it’s the right fit for you. All you need is a can-do attitude and a passion for creating positive change—everything else is a bonus.
Day : Thursday 19th June, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location : Arch One, 83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Simply register below, let us know any guests you’d like us to bring. We can’t wait to meet you. You’re guaranteed to meet some awesome people and hopefully be inspired to get involved or even share some new ideas – no pressure, no obligation.
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.