Young People Speak Out! and Africa Programme Updates – Forward
Young People Speak Out!
Empowering and educating through entertainment
The youth programme continues to expand in Middlesborough, Bristol and Rochdale and gain rapid momentum in London, with a group of 15 young women meeting fortnightly to advance the FORWARD campaign through creative advocacy events.
On July 4th 2010 the FORWARD Women group organised a spectacular evening of entertainment and education to raise awareness on FGM and child marriage. The event titled ‘Let’s Make Noise’ lived up to its name with performances including poetry, songs and powerful dramatic monologues that left the audience stunned. 100 people attended the interactive event in Covent Garden; many of whom joined FORWARD’s mailing list and YPSO Facebook group after being inspired by the various presentations on FORWARD and its work.
This event was possible thanks to funding from the Monica Rabagliati Trust.
We would like to say special thanks to Nora Malik who has been the driving force in transforming the youth programme during her internship. She was a great asset to the youth team! We also welcome Saria as the new youth programme assistant and look forward to her work in expanding the work of the FORWARD Women group.
YPSO on Facebook
YPSO has changed its location on Facebook. For more information, or to join the group, please contact Jenny, jenny@forwarduk.org.uk
Africa Programme
Empowering Girls at risk in Sierra Leone and Liberia
FORWARD is undertaking this joint project funded by the International Planned Parenthood Federation with the Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone Family Planning Association of Liberia. The project aims to improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights of vulnerable young women including child mothers and pregnant girls. 40 young women from urban slum areas were recruited and trained as peer researchers, to conduct participatory research among their peers. The questions assessed daily life of girls and young women in the community; sexual matters and pregnancy and access to information, support and services.
The findings revealed high rates of teenage pregnancy and school drop out in the community. Girls felt that early FGM initiation of girls was a contributory factor to early sexual initiation. In Sierra Leone and Liberia, FGM is still entrenched and a taboo subject and some girls commented that they would let their daughters undergo FGM initiation due to the advantage it brought to women in social and economic life.
A stakeholder consultation was organised in Freetown to share the study findings and a panel discussion held with selected peer researchers. The research has received national attention and the girls were interviewed on the national television programme “Inside the Petticoat”. The process has also transformed the lives of girls.
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