Foundation for Women's Health Research and Development

FORWARD (Foundation for Women's Health Research and Development) is committed to gender equality and safeguarding the rights of African girls and women.

We are a leading African diaspora women’s campaign and support organisation based in England. We work through partnerships in the UK, Europe and Africa to transform lives, tackling discriminatory practices that affect girls and women. Our focus is on female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage and obstetric fistula. For over 30 years we have been committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of African girls and women. We do this through community engagement, women’s empowerment, training of professionals, research, and international advocacy.

Our Vision:

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

Our Mission:

To end gender based violence (GBV), in particular female genital mutilation, child marriage and related health rights issues affecting African girls and women

To increase access for at risk and affected girls and women to specialist support services, skills and livelihood opportunities

To educate and engage policy makers, communities and the public to advocate for social change and advancement of rights

To strengthen voices of African Diaspora women in policy processes and development

To improve capacity and sustainability of partner organisations

Our Core Values

FORWARD believes that:

• Protection of women and girls’ rights and dignity are non-negotiable
• Girls and women’s voices, needs and experiences should inform all our work
• Participation of girls, boys, women, men and community leaders promotes equity and ownership
• Provision of safe spaces and specialist services for girls and women should be central to programmes
• Partnerships and alliance building with civil society and community organisations, donor agencies and governments creates synergy and accelerates change

Our Goals

• End gender based violence in particular female genital mutilation, child marriage and related rights violations
• Increase access to specialist and support services; rights education and livelihood opportunities for vulnerable girls and women
• Improve capacity and sustainability of partners
• Strengthen networking and policy engagement of African Diaspora women

Registered charity number: 292403