Moving Forward in the UKApril 3rd 1999 FORWARD's work in the UK now covers three key areas:
1. Community Education/ DevelopmentAt the forefront of campaigns to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is community education and development. In this respect, FORWARD involves communities affected by FGM in the production of relevant educational materials, as well as organising national conferences and seminars. In the last year, we organised a national conference (see page 3 for a report), and in conjunction with Womankind and the Babiker Badri Scientific Association of Sudan, FORWARD organised a seminar in August 1999. This seminar brought leading groups and individuals together to talk through, share and discuss the progress on the elimination of FGM. Dr Nahid Toubia of Rainbo and Prof. Rushwan of The WHO, both highlighted key areas of future work to be done, such as encouraging governments to adopt clear FGM policies and enabling 'bottom-up' rather than 'top-down' programmes. (A video presentation from the seminar is available from Womankind; FORWARD has copies of a brief seminar report). In organising such gatherings, we are able to listen to those directly affected by FGM and to implement eradication campaigns with their full support. FGM Strategy GroupFORWARD has set up a national FGM Strategy Group comprised of key players in the FGM field and professionals involved in health, social services, trade unions, and child protection. The Strategy Group acts as FORWARD's UK programme support group. The organisation seeks their expertise on various issues and their support on the development of a training pack on FGM for professionals and community groups. The Group is composed of volunteers. FORWARD is very grateful to the support it receives from this group. If anyone is interested in involving themselves in the Group, please contact FORWARD. Materials for the communityCurrently FORWARD has produced two booklets addressing the issue of FGM. The first deals with FGM issues among the youth. Developed as a dialogue, the story concerns 5 African girls from different communities residing in London who confront their own FGM experiences. This booklet is currently in draft form and will be ready early next year. The second booklet, developed by FORWARD for the BBC World Service, reviews the FGM issues among a Somali family based in Somalia. Copies of this booklet are available from the BBC World Service or from FORWARD. Materials for ProfessionalsFORWARD is currently updating and developing FGM materials for professionals. The materials cover background information on FGM, a model policy and preventative strategy for Local Authorities, and good practice guidelines and procedures for professionals. The latter covers the different specific roles and guidelines of each professional concerned, along with material relevant to all groups. This material is currently under review by the Strategy Group; we anticipate they will be finalised by February - March 2000. 2. ResearchGiven the sensitive nature of FGM, the practice remains poorly researched. FORWARD has been attempting to fill this information gap by researching into communities affected by FGM. Two case studies have been completed. One is The SWITCH Project: a FGM case study, which reviews knowledge of, attitude to and access to health care among 15 women affected by FGM resident in Manchester. The findings of this case study are available from FORWARD. Case study two reviews the FGM situation in Birmingham, Midlands. The data analysis stage of this case is currently underway. A report will be available in February 2000 from FORWARD. 3. Professionals' trainingFORWARD has been at the forefront of training professionals in how to respond effectively to women and children who have undergone FGM. As a continuation of this, we will be conducting two training days in April 2000, to provide various professionals with the training they require, whether background information or on more advanced issues. |