FORWARD At Central Mosque on The International Day of Zero Tolerance

On the 6th of February 2007 and in the recognition of The International Zero Tolerance Day to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), The Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development (FORWARD) has organised a training day at The Islamic Cultural Centre and London Central Mosque (ICCCM).

Working in partnership with Domestic Violence Intervention Project (DVIP), FORWARD has delivered an awareness raising day on gender based violence including FGM and Child and Forced Marriage.

The participants were predominantly Muslims, many of whom were community and faith leaders including Imams.

ICCCM has a significant role in the lives of the UK Muslims which has prompted FORWARD to work with. The importance of this initiation has two folds; first it establishes for future work between FORWARD and a leading Islamic authority such as the ICCCM, second it helps the Imams and the religious leaders based at the ICCCM to play their roles according to the Child Protection Policy within the UK.

One of the very important recommendations of this event was;

• Imams were encouraged to raise the issues of gender based violence particularly FGM and Child Marriage in their sermons and Fridays prayers
• When Imams and religious leaders are approached for advice on issues of FGM and Child Marriage, by their community members, they should give advice that reflects the UK laws and the Child Protection Policy.

Overall, the event was successful. FORWARD would like to thank all the staff based at ICCCM, particularly Dr. Ahmad Al Dubayan who without his immense help and support this event wouldn’t have taken place.