📌FGM sits within the UK’s violence against women and girls agenda and is increasingly grouped under “honour-based abuse” alongside forced marriage. The latest cross-government strategy, Freedom from Violence and Abuse, sets an ambition to halve violence against women and girls within a decade, but makes very little mention of FGM.
📑The following insights on the State of FGM in the UK is a stark reminder that when FGM is sidelined, survivors are sidelined. Despite being a criminal offence in the UK under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003, thousands of women and girls remain at risk. Zero tolerance must mean zero invisibility.
📢 “We are calling for robust cross-sector collaboration, better data, and equitable care to ensure women and girls in the UK are protected from FGM and adequately supported.”
If the ambition is to halve violence against women and girls, FGM must not be left behind.
Read the full paper here: 'linktree in bio - "Preliminary Brief"'
#EndFGM #ZeroTolerance #VAWG
FORWARD at 40: Seeds of Change Celebration💜
On 18 September 2025, we gathered at Matrix Chambers, London to celebrate 40 years of FORWARD, four decades of empowering African, Black and minoritised women and girls, and campaigning to end FGM, child marriage and violence against women and girls.
The evening was filled with inspiration and connection, from moving poetry and thought-provoking discussions to reconnecting with old friends and welcoming new allies. 💫
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of FORWARD’s journey and to those who continue to walk with us as we plant the seeds of change for the next 40 years.
A heartfelt thank you to our Patron Karon Monaghan QC and to Matrix Chambers for so kindly hosting this wonderful celebration.
🎥 Watch the highlights video here ➡️Also available on our YouTube Channel FORWARDuk
#FORWARDat40 #SeedsofChange #EndFGM #EndChildMarriage #VAWG
📢 Just over 2 weeks left to apply!
Are you an African, Black, or minoritised young woman aged 18–30 living in the UK? Want to take action on gender inequality and be part of something meaningful?
We’re recruiting for a year-long fellowship, in partnership with @homegirlsunite , for young women ready to build skills, connect with others, and lead change in their communities.
💬 Tell a friend to tell a friend!
👉🏾 Apply via the link in our Linktree
#TuWezesheUK
Important public announcement 🚨
Don’t put it off, get your cervical screening!
Cervical screening saves lives by helping detect changes early, often before symptoms appear. It’s a simple step that can make a life-changing difference.
📷️ : @allontheboard
Still thinking about applying to the TuWezeshe Akina Dada Fellowship?
Consider this your sign to apply today! ✨
📅 Deadline: Sunday, 31 May
📝 Apply here: bit.ly/40Zc3CL or via linktree in bio
FGM Survey Now Open!
We first launched our survey in December 2025, and the insights gathered revealed important gaps in understanding the influences behind the practice and the support pathways available.
We’re reopening the survey to deepen this understanding and we need your voice.
Your input will help shape better awareness, stronger services, and more effective support for those affected.
👉🏾Take part today via linktree link in bio.
📢 Just over 3 weeks to apply - Have you applied yet?
Ready to embark on a “transformative” experience?
Are you an African, Black or minoritised young woman (18–30) living in the UK? Want to take action on gender inequality and be part of something meaningful?
We’re recruiting for a year-long fellowship, in partnership with @homegirlsunite , for young women ready to build skills, connect with others, and lead change in their communities.
💬 Tell a friend to tell a friend!
👉🏾 Apply here: via link in linktree
#TuWezesheUK
This World Maternal Mental Health Day, we asked our colleagues to share what this day means to them.
Their reflections remind us why these conversations matter, every story deserves to be heard and respected.
This year’s theme, “A Decade of Voices,” highlights the power of creating safe spaces, developing transparent services, and championing the rights of every mother.
#WorldMaternalMentalHealthDay
Thank you @play__fair for having us! It was a great day in the sunshine and good to see a lot of familiar faces 🤍☀️ Make sure to come to our 1 year to celebrate BITC - link in our bio!!
📢 We’re Hiring: School Facilitators (Freelance Opportunity)
Are you passionate about promoting healthy relationships and tackling gender-based abuse? Join the FORWARD School and Youth Team and make a meaningful impact.
We are looking for dedicated facilitators to deliver engaging sessions to students, young people, teachers, and education professionals across the UK. Your work will focus on raising awareness and strengthening safeguarding practices to protect girls and women from Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
What We’re Looking For:
- Strong facilitation and communication skills
- Experience working with young people or in educational settings
- Knowledge of safeguarding and gender-based violence issues
- A commitment to equality, inclusion, and social change
👉🏽For more information please contact: [email protected]
✨Are You Ready to Be a Changemaker?✨
Are you an African, Black and minoritised young woman aged 18–30 living in the UK? Are you passionate about ending gender inequality, and ready to do something about it?
We’re looking for bold, driven young women to join our year-long fellowship in partnership with @homegirlsunite and lead real change in their communities.
As a Fellow, you’ll: ✔️Design and lead your own social action project tackling gender inequality
✔️Be supported by a dedicated mentor who gets it
✔️Kick things off with a fully paid residential training weekend in London, 24–26 July 2026
✔️Join a sisterhood of women committed to building a better world
This isn’t a course. This isn’t a workshop. This is a launchpad.
👉🏾Apply now and take the first step: linktree in bio ‘TuWezeshe Application Form’ / https://bit.ly/40Zc3CL
#TuWezesheUK
At FORWARD UK, we welcome the Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Act 2023 (in force 1 April 2026), making public sexual harassment illegal. But we know this is only part of the story.
Our 2024 research finds 54% of minoritised ethnic young women in London experience harassment linked to their race or ethnicity.
Until every woman is heard and believed, protection isn’t equal. Race and intersecting identities must be part of the response.
👉🏾Read the report: linktree 'Sexual harassment in London public spaces'
#publicharassment
