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Dignity and change for African women and girls

FORWARD (Foundation of Women's Health Research and Development) is the African women-led women's rights organisation working to end violence against women and girls.

About us

Highlights

YOUNG WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP

TuWezeshe Akina Dada, Swahili for ‘empowering our sisters’, is our feminist leadership programme seeking to inspire a generation of young African women to engage in the civil and political spheres and galvanise collective action against all forms of violence against women and girls. It aims to increase their visibility and capacity to shape decisions about their rights and freedoms.

Read about our programme

New report: Sexual harassment in London public spaces

FORWARD unveils ground-breaking new data on the concerning levels of sexual harassment and assault in public spaces across London. The new research has revealed that over eight in ten young women aged 16-34 have experienced at least one form of sexual harassment or assault in a public space in London in the last two years, including inappropriate bodily rubbing or brushing (25%), and 7% forced to engage in sexual behaviour.

Read the full report
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2021-2022 Annual Report

We're pleased to launch our latest annual report for 2021 – 2022: ‘Championing the Rights of African Women and Girls’! Over the past two years, we have continued to make incredible progress in our work. From the inspiring achievements of our TuWezeshe fellows and delivering professionals’ training online, to working with partners to change the law on child marriage and partnering with UNFPA to tackle VAWG – we have not relented in fighting for the people who rely on us.

READ THE FULL REPORT

Latest Updates

Our Impact

36,000

Students taught about their body and rights in UK schools since 2015.

10,000

Professionals trained on how to safeguard women and girls affected or at risk of FGM, since 2015

24,393

School girls and boys mobilised in Africa to know their rights and fight violence against women and girls in their schools and their communities.

Read more about our impact

Publications

Celebrate 35+ years of FORWARD

On Black History Month 2023, we proudly launch our new film to celebrate 35+ years of FORWARD milestones. Each achievement symbolises the legacy of black herstory & resilience of diaspora activists in fighting for human rights!

Watch our film
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Help Fund Our Work

Support our vision of the day when African girls and women will live in dignity, are healthy, have choices and enjoy equal rights, free from fear of violence.

Donate
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Be part of our global network working towards ending FGM, child marriage and violence against women and girls, by joining our newsletter

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