Farida Bedwei: A Life Without Limits
Farida Bedwei’s journey began in a world she didn’t expect much from. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at just 1 year old, she grew up watching other children run, climb, and play effortlessly—simple pleasures her condition placed out of reach. She was raised in an environment that often saw her condition as a barrier to success.
In many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, disability is often perceived as a limitation, shaped by deep-rooted cultural beliefs and systemic barriers. These frequently result in the exclusion of people with disabilities from education, employment, and even everyday social interactions.
In some communities, disability remains entangled with superstition—some believe it is a curse or bad omen—leading to children being hidden away or denied opportunities under the assumption that they will always be dependent. According to the World Bank, 80% of people with disabilities in developing countries live in poverty, not because of their condition, but because society has not made room for them to thrive.
Where others saw limits, Farida chose to see possibilities, to challenge what society deemed achievable for someone like her. Through determination, resilience, and a keen mind, Farida overcame obstacles and rewrote the script for her life. This story is about a woman who defied societal norms and carved her path in the tech industry, becoming one of Africa’s most celebrated innovators.
A Different Beginning
Farida’s early life was anything but conventional. She was born to Ghanaian parents and spent her formative years moving between Lagos, Grenada, Dominica, the United Kingdom, and Ghana due to her father’s work with the United Nations Development Programme.
Her family finally moved to Ghana when she was 9 years old. While her multicultural upbringing fostered adaptability and curiosity, it also taught Farida the value of home. “There’s a certain freedom that comes with living in your own country, despite its challenges. I don’t think I’d want to live anywhere else,” she shared.
Farida grew up at a time when society often underestimated the potential of people with disabilities. “I did not have any career ambitions. Back in the ’80s and ’90s, people with disabilities weren’t expected to do anything significant,” she recalled. Farida’s mindset shifted when her family got a computer.
Fascinated by its potential, she began exploring BASIC programming, trying commands and watching the screen respond. Her parents, recognising this curiosity, enrolled her in a computer course at 15.
Breaking Barriers in Tech
The computer course became a turning point as it helped Farida finally see a future for herself. “I realised I wanted to be a software programmer,” she said. It was an ambition borne not from societal expectations—because there were none—but from her growing belief in her abilities.
Farida started her academic journey with a diploma in Information Systems, followed by another in E-Technology. While studying, she also worked at Rancard, gaining practical experience as a software developer. Determined to deepen her expertise, she took a year off from work to earn a degree from the University of Hertfordshire in the UK.
In 2011, Farida co-founded Logiciel, a software company focused on improving microfinance services. Its flagship product, gKudi, transformed how financial institutions served underserved communities, bringing banking services to the unbanked. Farida’s journey to success was anything but easy, but she refused to let challenges define her.
“I wasn’t one to dwell on the obstacles,” she explained. “Yes, it could have been easier, but I wasn’t focused on the facilities that weren’t available to me. I was focused on proving to society that, despite having a disability, I could still handle the tough jobs.”
Today, her career spans notable organisations including Rancard, Logiciel, Microsoft, and the Digital Opportunity Trust.
Advocacy Through Action
Beyond her professional achievements, Farida is a passionate advocate for disability rights, aiming to prove that people with disabilities can excel when given the tools and support they need.
“My focus is to prove that people with disabilities can thrive,” she explained. “I want parents to see that investing in and training a disabled child, instead of hiding them away, can transform that child’s life.”
Farida advocates for creating accessible environments that provide equal opportunities for people with disabilities to thrive. She also champions greater investment in assistive technologies and inclusive design within the tech industry.
“It’s not just about creating solutions for people with disabilities—it’s about involving them in the design process,” she emphasised. “If you’re building something for a group, that group needs to be part of the conversation.”
A Life of Possibilities
Farida’s accomplishments are diverse and remarkable. From serving on the National Communications Authority Board in Ghana to pioneering innovative software solutions, authoring inspiring books, and championing initiatives encouraging more women to pursue technology-related fields, she has continually broken barriers and redefined what is possible.
Through it all, Farida remains grounded by her faith, family, and a strong sense of purpose. “I’ve always believed that my life has a mission,” she reflected. “And that mission is to make a meaningful impact in society.”
Despite her many achievements, Farida’s journey is far from over. She is currently a consultant at Digital Opportunity Trust, where she develops tools and solutions to empower community leaders across Africa with digital and leadership skills.
Farida Bedwei’s story embodies resilience and a strong belief in possibility. It challenges societal perceptions of disability, replacing them with a vision of inclusion and opportunity.
As she continues to break barriers, her message to society is empowering: “You can have a disability, live in a third-world country, and still become a great success story.”