A picture is worth a thousand words, they say – and this one perfectly sums up the role of women at Operation Smile. Dedicated volunteer nurse, Busiswa, and a young cleft patient’s mom, work together to provide reassurance, care and support during surgery.
What better time is there than now, during Women’s month, to acknowledge the crucial role played by women in the work we do? Over 90% of the volunteer medical professionals who serve on our surgical programmes – surgeons, nurses, paediatric anaesthesiologists and therapists – are women. Their caring compassion brings hope – and their healing hands change lives.
To the many moms of children born with cleft, who never give up hope of getting help for their little ones, we salute your determination, patience and the sacrifices you make to ensure your babies can face the future with confidence.
And to the all-female management team at Operation Smile South Africa – thank you for your dedication and hard work in the drive to ensure that no child in South Africa is denied life-changing surgery, regardless of their circumstances.
Happy Women’s Day to you all!