FORWARD 20th Anniversary Celebrations

21 Apr 2003

A Day to celebrate FORWARD'S work to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other harmful traditional practices, affecting African women and children.

In 1983, Efua Dorkenoo established FORWARD and 20 years later the struggle against female genital mutilation continues.

To mark FORWARD's 20 years of work to end FGM we held a celebratory event at the Royal Opera House, Linbury Studio Theatre, Covent Garden on Easter Monday, April 21st 2003.

Celebratory Performances

The day started with the performance of 'IKPIKO: A Sense of Belonging' a play set in Nigeria about FGM and the impact it has on women's lives. The play starts in a local government office where a civil servant is asking local women to discuss FGM because the government is trying to get information about attitudes towards the practice. The women are struck dumb by the formal setting, and by the 'big, jaw breaking English' they are hearing, they cannot give evidence. It is only when the hearing is adjourned and they are left alone are they able to discuss their experiences with FGM. The stories are sad, funny, tragic and at the end empowering.

Yam Foot productions provided an energetic series of dances, combining traditional African dance with modern hip-hop moves.

FORWARD's founder, Efua Dorkenoo, came from South Africa to celebrate with us and provided a personal perspective on the history of the organization, followed by a panel discussion on the new FGM law.

The evening culminated in a musical concert headlined by Skin (a FORWARD patron), who sang a selection of old and new material. Black Sonshine (a South African duo) then entertained participants with their unique blend of African soul. A guest appearance by FORWARD's own Tuleka Prah capped off a perfect celebration.

The sunset of the evening

Participants left the venue to the stirring sounds of Miriam Makeba's 'Pata-Pata.' All present thoroughly enjoyed themselves, helping us to celebrate 20 years of activism, and (we hope) learned something in the process. Thank you to all who came to participate especially those who travelled from outside the UK - Gorm, Gunnel, Adwoa, Inga and Odile. Thank you also to all the interns and volunteers who made the event possible - Tuleka, Kobina, Dele and Mahlet.