Bassmala’s Story: From TuWezeshe Fellow to Global Advocate

From Fellow to Global Advocate: My Journey with FORWARD

When I joined FORWARD’s TuWezeshe Fellowship in 2019, I was passionate about advancing the rights of women and girls but still discovering my voice as an advocate. Looking back, the fellowship was the catalyst that gave me the confidence, skills, and opportunities to turn that passion into action.

As a young Sudanese woman living in the UK, FORWARD provided a space where my experiences and ideas were valued. More importantly, it showed me that young people are not just the future of change – we are already leading it.

Since completing the fellowship, I have continued to build on that foundation as a Youth Ambassador for the End FGM European Network, advocating to end female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and promote the rights of women and girls. My work has taken me from community workshops to international platforms, where I have had the opportunity to amplify youth and survivor voices.

One of the proudest moments of my journey was speaking at the Women Deliver 2026 Conference, where I delivered the closing remarks at the global pre-conference event United for Action: Global Solidarity to End FGM/C. Standing before advocates, survivors, policymakers, and community leaders from around the world reminded me how far I had come since my time as a FORWARD fellow.

These lessons continue to guide my work, whether I’m facilitating workshops, contributing to policy discussions, or advocating for greater investment in youth leadership. I remain committed to ensuring young people are not only included in decision-making but trusted to help shape it.

As FORWARD celebrates its 10th anniversary, I am incredibly grateful for the role it has played in my journey. The fellowship invested in me at a pivotal moment, and that investment continues to create opportunities for me to advocate for gender equality and support communities affected by harmful practices.

To future fellows, my advice is simple: embrace every opportunity, believe in your voice, and never underestimate the impact you can have. Leadership doesn’t begin when someone gives you permission – it begins when you choose to step forward.

Thank you, FORWARD, for believing in young people and creating a community that empowers us to lead change. I am proud to be part of your legacy and excited to see the impact the next generation of fellows will make.

Bassmala Morkaz, FORWARD Fellow, TuWezeshe Alumni 2019

Youth Ambassador at EndFGM European Network