Why I'm supporting FORWARD
FORWARD (Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development) is the leading African women-led organisation working to end violence against women and girls. I have decided to use my platform to raise awareness and fundraise for this organisation.
But why?
Since the tragic and avoidable death of George Floyd and the events that have followed there have been a huge realisation that we need to do better. I thought I was doing enough through actions such as using black models and suppliers in shoots, but I now realise how wrong this was and I am sorry for my inaction.
When listening to the podcast of Reni Eddo-Lodge I realised that one of the ways I can use my platform is by supporting an organisation ran by and for black women. From policy and advocacy, to community engagement and support services, Forward stood out to me as being an organisation with heart and mind.
One big motivating factor why I decided to support Forward was the work that they do on child and forced marriages. They share the horrifying statistic that 150 million girls will become child brides by 2030 (just 10 years away!) if more is not done. Forward gives the girls affected by FGM and child marriage the training and confidence to become ‘Agents of Change’.
Margaret, 18, has benefited from this and now raises awareness to help others in her community. She said: “If FGM stops, it will give opportunity for girls to be girls and fulfil their academic dreams and their goals in life. I am now advocating against these practices along with my fellow network members.”
I am in the privileged position that my parents were not forced with the decision to sell me due to extreme poverty. I grew up in a village where my family did not have to decide if allowing a marriage could help to reduce the high risk of harassment and physical or sexual assault. I grew up in a community where my body was seen as mine and I was free to explore my sexuality when I was ready. This is not the case for millions of women around the world.
When life returns to normal and my income is more stable, I will be donating a percentage of my earnings to Forward. Until then, I have decided to fundraise by running a half marathon - a big challenge for someone who hasn’t ran for more than 5 minutes in the last 6 years. Please support here:
Please take the time to learn about the work of Forward - they are doing remarkable things in challenging circumstances.