women in london

FORWARD e-newsletter: Issue 1, July 2009

Young People Speak Out!

FORWARD’s youth programme – Young People Speak Out – have now set up their Youth Advisory Council with members from London, Middlesbrough and Bristol. These young people ensure that our work with BME youth in the UK remains relevant and appropriate to their needs, and lead on the delivery of our Youth programme.

In April, FORWARD delivered Peer Educator training sessions to 10 young people aged 16-25. We develop their knowledge in gender based violence and provide skills in leadership and facilitation to enable future youth leaders to be agents of change. Check out our website for more on the upcoming schools campaign.

Working With Communities

Women’s Leadership Training

FORWARD’s community leadership programme focuses on the health, wellbeing and human rights of women from FGM practising communities. Women acquire health information and networking opportunities, and increase their confidence, self-esteem, presentation and communication skills. Next round of training coming this autumn!!

Community Consultations

Under this year’s Zero Tolerance to FGM theme “working in partnership”, FORWARD organised community consultations in Liverpool and Bristol. Participants discussed barriers they face and how they can play a more active role in promoting health and wellbeing.

New Special Initiative on FGM

Rosa, City Parochial Foundation and Esmee Fairbairn have formed a new London-based consortium. This is a collaborative initiative to address the lack of strategic support for FGM programmes at community level.

PEER Research

FORWARD undertook novel and innovative research using the Participatory Ethnographic and Evaluative Research (PEER) method (with technical support from Options Consultancy) to gain more insight into the perception of FGM in practising communities in the UK. For more information on this research and the upcoming publications, please contact FORWARD directly forward@forwarduk.org.uk

Seminar on Marriage, Sexuality and Women’s Rights in Islam

FORWARD organised a half day seminar on 29 June on “Marriage, Sexuality and Women’s Rights in Islam” in London, in partnership with the Islamic Cultural Centre (ICC) and the London Central Mosque. The panel discussions and presentations helped clarify Islamic Family Laws and Women’s Rights including marriage contracts and the position on divorce for Muslim women in the UK. It also helped to raise the interplay of secular laws, customary laws and religious laws and the challenges women face in seeking justice and rights. Honour crimes, domestic violence and research on women’s views and experiences on FGM, health and sexuality were shared. The day provided a lot of food for thought and ideas for increasing public education and awareness among Muslim communities on women’s rights, civil laws in marriage and general violations of women’s rights.

FGM Policy In The Uk

FGM, asylum and refugee policies in the UK

Research shows that women who seek asylum in the UK on the basis of fear of FGM abroad are viewed and treated differently from women or girls facing FGM in the UK who are permanent residents or UK citizens. As part of the campaign to highlight the difficulties girls and women face, FORWARD organised a seminar on “FGM, asylum and refugee policies in the UK.” FORWARD is pleased to represent the UK in the EU programme “Towards an improved enforcement of FGM legislation in Europe” to seek action on these issues.

“Together We can End Violence Against Women and Girls” Strategy -FORWARD’s response

FORWARD welcomed this long awaited cross-government violence against women strategy. We took this opportunity to highlight specific concerns, including the need for a gendered approach to issues, the needs and demands of the most vulnerable women, and the lack of funding to BME women’s organisations. Please take a moment to look at our response. http://www.forwarduk.org.uk/what-we-do/uk-programmes/consultations

Launch of new FGM factsheet

A new factsheet on FGM aimed at education and health professionals was launched on 30th June by Maria Eagle, Deputy Minister for Women and Equality as part of this year’s Summer is for fun…not pain campaign-in partnership with the Met Police’s Project Azure team. The factsheet explains what FGM is, who it affects, ways to identify those at risk, and where to get more information. The launch which took place at the Global Academy in south London highlights the important role of teachers in leading on prevention programmes on FGM.

NEW FGM Initiatives In Europe

New European Campaign on FGM

END FGM European Campaign seeks a definitive strategy to end FGM in Europe and to protect and fulfil the human rights of girls and women across Europe and beyond. FORWARD is the UK partner in the campaign led by Amnesty International Ireland and we will work with key UK agencies to move on the UK policy agenda on FGM.

European Parliament resolution to combat FGM in Europe

The European Parliament has adopted a new resolution in March 2009 calling for the practice of FGM to be illegal in all EU countries. It recognises that women and girls can be granted asylum on the grounds of FGM. FORWARD applauds the new resolution. However, linking criminalisation of FGM with immigration policies must be handled sensitively, particularly if legislation is likely to be affected. Any move that leads to further stigma against already vulnerable women and children should be examined closely and avoided at all cost.

New UNHRC guidance on refugee claims relating to FGM

In May this year, the UNHRC issued a guidance note on refugee claims relating to FGM. An increasing number of jurisdictions have recognised FGM as a form of persecution in their asylum decision. The guidance states that claimants can include a girl or woman who is at risk or has undergone FGM, or parents who fear for their daughters, or risk persecution because there are opposed to the practice. The guidance outlines specific forms of persecution that are relevant to FGM, outlines the role of the state in providing protection and defines “agents of prosecution”. There is also clarity on relocation and procedural issues.

Upcoming Events!

“Say Something” – 28 July 2009

Join us in celebrating the work of YPSO in an evening of music, poetry and comedy which combines young people’s creative talent and engagement.

ACT NOW!!!!

Save Waltham Forest African Well Women Service

FORWARD is gravely concerned that changes to this gold standard service will mean no access to vital specialist services for hundreds of women affected by FGM who would need support and specialist care.

FORWARD needs your help to keep this service going! Take action by writing to Waltham Forest PCT Chief Executive Sally Gorham.

FORWARD Fundraisers!

ELSA and JENNY’s 10k Run! <>
Help Elsa and Jenny beat the famous athlete Haile Gebre Selasie!!!!

ONYINYE & friends
Support Onyinye, Emilia and Kate in their bid to skydive for FORWARD!!!!

Win a Brand New Fiat 500
Buy a raffle for the small car draw and help us raise money!

Tribute to Janet Narh

It is with immense sadness that FORWARD has learned of the death of Janet Narh – Woman’s Hour Presenter at BEN TV.

Janet was a great supporter and firm friend of FORWARD.

She worked tirelessly on behalf of African women, highlighting their issues, raising their voices and most recently campaigning to mobilise the African Diaspora.

Janet will be sorely missed and our thoughts and hearts go out to her family.

DONATE NOW!

MAKE FGM HISTORY and HELP END CHILD MARRIAGE

FORWARD, a UK-registered African Diaspora-led charity, is the leading campaign and support organisation that works to advance and safeguard the sexual and reproductive health and rights of African girls and women-in particular regarding female genital mutilation (FGM), forced and child marriage and related issues.

Questions or comments? E-mail us at forward@forwarduk.org.uk or call 020 8960 4000.