Welcome to KAWS – The Kenya Association of Women in Surgery
The Kenya Association of Women in Surgery alias KAWS is a Not For Profit organisation created for the women in surgery either as trainees or in profession dedicated to training.
Established in 2018 KAWS has been spearheading the growth and development of women in the medical field in tremendous ways. Under the able leadership of Dr. Elizabeth Mwachiro, KAWS has seen its numbers grow and its members improve from strength to strength. This efforts have eventually created a great community of women in the medical field.
KAWS was established with a mission of fostering wholistic growth of the female surgeon in all her facets of life. KAWS members can attest to this. Since establishment, KAWS has undertaken numerous activities that have been in line with the mission and vision of the organisation. KAWS members have seen tremendous improvement in their day to day interactions with fellow medics with a continued sense of support and motivation from KAWS community.
As KAWS we aim to be the leading women’s association that produces competent and self-aware female surgeons by providing support and mentorship to its members. Guided by the seven KAWS pillars, we aim to be a significant force in the local health care scene, producing quality personnel and expertise to help not only KAWS members but the country as a whole towards the attainment of a functioning health care system.
As KAWS we are guided by seven core values namely;
- Mutual support/community
- Empowerment
- Advocacy
- Excellence
- Passion
- Integrity
- Diversity & inclusion
- To provide mentorship for professional and social development for both the upcoming and established female surgeons.
- To provide a platform for positive interaction amongst women surgeons.
- To advocate for equity and inclusivity of the female surgeon.
- To highlight challenges affecting women and provide a platform for solutions through policy change.
- To provide a safe environment for upcoming female surgeons.
- To address matters of gender equality at the workplace.
- To conduct research in collaboration with international women surgeon associations.
- Partner with institutions to offer sponsorships, fellowships, electives, observer-ships, research and faculty development for our members locally and abroad.