Young People Speak Out

FORWARD has partnered with the African Women's Welfare Group (AWWG) to deliver this programme with young women from a variety of FGM practicing communities.

Young People Speak Out (YPSO) provided a platform for young people from the African Diaspora to acquire skills and ideas which has enabled them to challenge gender-based violence such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

This 6 month Media project was aimed at engaging 16-19 year olds from FGM practicing communities in a creative initiative to educate and encourage their peers and ultimately their communities to abandon the practices of FGM. Participants were supported to lead on all aspects of the project implementation to raise awareness of FGM in the UK, capture real experiences and inspire other young people to become actively involved in preventing violence against women and girls.

Project Achievements:

• Increased knowledge, skills and confidence to speak out against FGM.
• Improved awareness of other cultures and ability to make safe and healthy choices.
• Enhanced profile and voice of young people, their achievements and positive contribution to affecting change in the community.

Rationale for the sessions:

FGM is a sensitive and forbidden topic within practicing communities :

• Young girls to break the silence of FGM.
• Zero tolerance to FGM
• Changing lives
• Taking bold steps against FGM
• Together we can