About Us

Who We Are

The Foundation for Women's Health, Research and Development (FORWARD) is an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) that works to advance and protect the sexual and reproductive health and human rights of African girls and women.

FORWARD works to promote action to bring about positive social change to enhance the well being and protect the dignity of African girls and women globally. FORWARD is committed to eliminating harmful gender-based discriminatory practices that violate the sexual and reproductive health and rights of girls and women, such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage.

FORWARD was established in 1983 in the UK, in response to the emerging problems caused by female genital mutilation being seen by health professionals. Since this time FORWARD has been working to eliminate the practice and provide support to women affected by FGM. At our twenty year review FORWARD formally incorporated into its mandate other issues allied to Female Genital Mutilation, in particular vesico-vagina and recto-vagina fistulae and child and forced marriage.

Our Vision

FORWARD envisages a world in which all African girls and women are accorded their inalienable rights to dignity, equality and freedom from gender based discrimination and violence - a world in which they are able to attain and enjoy the highest level of physical, mental and social well-being, irrespective of their age, culture, religion or socio-economic status.

Our Mission

FORWARD is committed to eliminating gender-based violence against African girls and women, particularly female genital mutilation and child and forced marriage. We effect change through developing capacity, and by building evidence to influence policy and challenge practices that undermine their health, human dignity and sexual rights.

Our Core Values

FORWARD believes that:

1. Gender equality, non-discrimination and empowerment are critical to the well-being and dignity of African girls and women.
2. Democracy, transparency and accountability are fundamental to the realisation of the right to health.
3. Positive social change takes place from within local communities. This can be promoted through enabling marginalised and vulnerable groups to actively participate in shaping their own lives and well-being.
4. Human rights of girls and women must be upheld so that they are able to fully enjoy their sexual and reproductive health free from violence, coercion or ill-health.