Breaking Down Barriers - Gender-Responsive Prosthetic Support for Women and Girls
Women and girls face unique challenges when adapting to upper limb prosthetics, particularly in conflict-affected regions. Universal Limbs has developed specialized gender-responsive programming that addresses these specific needs, resulting in significantly improved outcomes for female prosthetic users.
Research consistently shows gender disparities in prosthetic outcomes. A study by the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme (Diab et al., 2023) found that female amputees experienced significantly higher rates of psychological distress and lower prosthetic utilization compared to male counterparts - disparities that were substantially reduced when gender-concordant rehabilitation services were provided.
Our women’s workshops address concerns that generic rehabilitation programs often miss. These include adapting prosthetic use with traditional dress like hijab and abaya, managing prosthetics during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and addressing cultural expectations about women’s roles in household management and childcare.
Body image considerations are particularly complex for women and girls. Cicolini et al. (2014) documented gender differences in rehabilitation outcomes following upper limb loss, with women showing greater concerns about appearance and social perception. Our workshops create safe spaces for processing these concerns while building confidence in prosthetic use.
For Palestinian women specifically, our programming recognizes how gender intersects with cultural identity, religious practice, and family roles. We address practical adaptations for activities like food preparation, traditional crafts, and religious observances while honoring women’s autonomy and choices.
The women-only workshop format allows for discussions about topics that might be difficult to address in mixed-gender settings, including concerns about marriage prospects, motherhood capabilities, and navigating changed family dynamics. Research by Roy et al. (2018) shows that women-centered rehabilitation approaches result in higher engagement and better functional outcomes.
Our approach also recognizes women’s traditional roles as family caregivers. Women often put their own rehabilitation needs aside to care for other family members affected by conflict. Our workshops help women balance self-care with their caregiving responsibilities, providing strategies for maintaining rehabilitation progress despite multiple demands.
Evidence shows that gender-responsive programming isn’t just beneficial - it’s essential for equitable outcomes in prosthetic rehabilitation.