Mojatu Magazine M016 by Mojatu Magazines

Nottingham connected

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Pg 48 Plant a tree! Own a goat!

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Habesha Restaurant Nottingham In conjunction with

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Africa Day! Ethiopian Night! እንኳን ወደ አፍሪካ ቀን በሰላም መጡ! የኢትዮጵያ ምሽት! Date & Venue to be confirmed

Experience Ethiopian Music, Food, Drinks & Networking with African & Caribbean Communities Raising Awareness on FGM

Enjoy Ethiopian Food

በኢትዮጵያ ባህላዊ ምግቦች ይደሰቱ! Experience the Unique taste of Ethiopian Cuisine 71-73 Alfreton Road, Nottingham NG7 3JL 0115 978 2817 07852 469975 www.eathabesha.com info@eathabesha.com

Editor’s welcome Welcome to the M016 edition of Nottingham Mojatu issue. Special thanks to all our readers and supporters! Enough is enough! We want a Nottingham with zero tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)! Mojatu Foundation has taken its work to a whole new level especially with the work around FGM. On 12th February 2015, Mojatu hosted a national FGM conference at the Hyson Green Youth Club that brought together over 80 people including survivors, practicing communities, the police, the City Council, women support organisations, NHS and education specialists. The conference was supported by Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, The Nottingham City Council and the Nottingham FGM Steering Group. See page 4-7 for more details. Don’t miss out other FGM stories on page 20-21 and on the community section. In this issue, Communities Inc shares with us their work around tackling hate crime and Belong Nottingham also shares developments of the interesting George Africanus’ project. Checkout page 34-35 for an article on 26 weight loss tips that are evidence-based. Don’t miss out the article on “The Success Indicator” and behaviours you never see in successful people on page 36-37. Mojatu in collaboration with Eco Farm and the Kenya Nottinghamshire Welfare Association are organising a Kenya Day event on 9th May which is open for the public and will also be an FGM awareness day. See page 46 for details. Enjoy and remember to look out for the next issues! Valentine Nkoyo Managing Editor: Mojatu magazines Email: valentine@mojatu.com

Contents News & Sports Nottingham End FGM conference....................... 4-7 Do Not Ignore Rheumatoid Arthritis....................... 8 Putting Communities in Control............................... 9 From Slavery to Freedom & Citizenship...............10 Police expand community engagement.............12

Community IGBO Kwenu! Notts 2014 Party (photos)..............15 My Dubai Trips: A Lesson for Africa?............... 16-17 We were not meant to enjoy sex..................... 20-21 Unfulfilled Love, Lost Dreams..................................25 Community Media Champions Profiles...............28

Arts & Culture Media, Heritage & Craft to transform lives..........32

Health & Food 26 Evidence-Based Weight Loss Tips.............. 34-35

Business & Finance The Success Indicator.................................................36 10 Behaviours not in Successful People...............37

Education & Career Will 2015 transform African women?....................38 Hurdles in health worker training .........................40 Cleaning Mistakes You Probably Make.................42 FGM Survivors Club (FGC).........................................48

Cover

Valentine Nkoyo speaking at the Nottingham FGM conference.

Mojatu Foundation Disclaimer The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot take responsibility for errors, omissions, nor can we accept responsibility for the advertisements or editorial contributions.

News & Comments: news@mojatu.com Non Executive Directors: Delroy Brown - delroy.brown@mojatu.com Dr. Tabani Ndlovu - tabani@mojatu.com Getting the magazine Online @ www.mojatu.com/magazines Subscription @ £24 per year including postage subs@mojatu.com Address: Mojatu Foundation 167 Alfreton Road, Nottingham, NG7 3JR T: 0115 845 7009 M: 07516962992 Facebook: www.facebook.com/mojatu Twitter: www.twitter.com/mojatu1 Printers: Mojatu

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Over 80 people attend National End FGM conference in Nottingham

By Valentine Nkoyo, Fiker Saifeselassie & Thelma Ruski - Photos by Sehrish Din, Joanna Frith & Abdullah Nur.

On 12th February, the first national FGM conference in Nottingham was attended by over 80 people. The event brought together community groups, women’s organisations, FGM survivors and representatives from the police and professionals experts from education, health and housing groups. Organised by Mojatu and sponsored by the Nottingham Police and the City Council, the event launched the second phase of Mojatu’s end FGM campaign in Nottingham city. This will align Nottingham with the international campaign to end FGM this generation. The conference was organised to tackle the rising rates of FGM. Since 2010, local hospitals have reported up to 200 new cases of FGM each year. It is especially timely with the shocking reports that over 6 months period, over 400 women with FGM were seen in the local hospitals. 1,000s of FGM cases of have been reported in the last five years by the local hospitals arising from both the city and the county.

Paddy Tipping, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire commended the survivors and stressed the need for individuals and organisations to work together in tackling the problem. They underlined the need to have FGM survivors driving the agenda on how to tackle FGM. “If we are being honest, Nottinghamshire Police have not made a great deal of progress in tackling FGM and supporting survivors. But we are now putting this higher up on our agenda, thanks to the hard work of a lot of people here today. Awareness and more work is required in helping us to change attitudes and we can only do this together”, he said.

Valentine Nkoyo, the director of Mojatu Foundation and the conference organiser and host, stressed the need to see the women who have experienced FGM as survivors who have overcome this practice. “Those women and girls who have experienced FGM are heroes. They should be supported and encouraged to share their experiences and knowledge on how best to tackle FGM and prevent other girls from undergoing this procedure”.

Reports show that FGM is still being performed on young British girls by either being taken abroad to have the operation performed or cutters being brought to the UK to perform the practice in the girls homes.

“Working directly with communities where FGM is practiced and encouraging FGM survivors to come forward, when they feel brave enough, will help end FGM this generation and enable those suffering in silence to get support”, she said. Mel Bowden, the Detective Chief Inspector, Nottingham Police and a member emphasised the need for awareness campaigns and community engagement in line with the law enforcement. “FGM awareness is the most important thing in safeguarding any girls and women from this practice. The police are committed to protect each and every girl in Nottinghamshire and we are committing time and resources towards this”, said Mel.

Nottingham connected “FGM is child abuse and against the law. Anyone performing FGM in the UK or those helping FGM to be undertaken on British Nationals or permanent UK residents locally or abroad face imprisonment of up to 14 years or a fine. However, prevention and safeguarding is the most important thing and that is why we are passionate about awareness events such as this one. It is important to make people aware that FGM is not just illegal but it has huge negative health and psychological implications for FGM survivors”.

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Carol McCormick, consultant midwife at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, and who has been working in FGM clinic for the last 13 years stated that “FGM is a major issue in Nottingham and we have been helping those affected by FGM with medical and psychological help. Part of the work is also preventative in nature as we are fully committed to preventing any new cases of FGM in our region. We need to expand the awareness schemes and activities through better education programmes for parents, professionals and communities so that all understand how ineffective and harmful FGM is to girls and women. We have been training healthcare professionals in the hospitals but there are still gaps, especially in community engagement, that ought to be addressed”

Dr Phoebe Abe, a GP at Hillingdon, West London and the author of the book FGM an A-Z Guide shed light on the health impact of FGM. Dr. Abe said, “I am often shocked at how little most people understand about FGM and its physical and psychological impact on FGM survivors. I grew up in Uganda and I escaped FGM but all should be aware that no baby is safe as Margaret Lesuuda, the Kenyan Education Counsellor based in Kenyan High Commission, London outlined long as FGM continues to be condoned”. the ills of FGM and why it should be stopped forthwith. Referring to her work with FGM survivors in West She stated that “FGM leads to early and forced London where she runs a free FGM clinic, Dr. marriages, high school dropouts, early pregnancies and Abe said, “I cry nearly every week when the FGM sexually transmitted diseases as it is often undertaken in unhygienic settings. This conference should chart survivors and their daughters come to my clinic. ways of capacity building, community engagement, Many have had years of suffering since FGM was cultural-result-oriented interventions and widening performed on them causing years of pain and partnerships and coordinated campaigns”. suffering for themselves and their families. These women have adhesions, vaginal infections, pelvic Mrs Lesuuda called for development of “local, inflammatory infections, and urine infections, for national and international models of knowledge years they have been having these problems. Ten sharing and mapping tools and platforms to help train and create awareness among professionals, per cent of girls die when FGM is performed on communities and those tackling FGM”. She urged them and the survivors have a lifetime of personal everyone to help “promote gender equality and and community suffering. It is upon us all to act widen community based initiatives. Leaders should now and bring this deadly practice to an end”. not be silent as the practice goes on but instead they need to speak out and act towards eradicating FGM this generation”. Cecily Mwaniki of Utulivu Women Group and director of CMnetwork in Reading, scheduled to address the meeting but could not make it, sent a statement which outlined the need to support the FGM survivors by “empowering them through networks and engagement with other women activities in the region. Our experience show that this is the only way to have long-term impact on issues affecting women”.

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mojatu.com wants to work with other partners in empowering survivors and protecting those at risk”.

Kinsi Clarke, a project manager at the Nottingham Refugee Forum and one of the conference organisers reiterated the need for increased awareness and the need to engage survivors and men. As a campaigner against the FGM, Kinsi noted that “the figures tell just a part of the story as many FGM survivors are scared to come forward. Those accounted for are the ones who attend medical institutions but many shy away even going for simple checks such as smear tests and prenatal checks for fear of ridicule and negative comments from medical professionals. There is need for more awareness in the community and training of medical professionals to understand FGM and know how to deal with FGM survivors.”

Manjit Bains of Women’s Aid Integrated Services (WAIS) informed the attendees about the role played by WAIS in supporting women facing all forms of abuse, violence and neglect. Manjit noted that WAIS “work with FGM survivors is based around domestic violence and abuse, honour based violence, safeguarding and ongoing support. However, we recognise the need for increased action in this area to safeguard those at risk of FGM and support survivors especially within cultural and social settings of the survivors and those in danger.”

Rosemary Moseti who chaired the event and is a nurse at the Queens Medical in Nottingham stated that “community engagement around FGM has been very limited in Nottingham and Mojatu Foundation

L-R Nadine (Guest from Belgium, Valentine and Hana) Hana Gibremedhen, shared her story about her suffering due to FGM and how FGM awareness and survivors support has helped her to cope and to speak out, “It is very empowering to be able to stand here and share my story. Nottingham FGM Steering Group has helped me to speak out about my many years of suffering caused by FGM operation done on me in Ethiopia. Many of us suffer in silence but we have started to meet and share our pain and how we can help one another cope and heal”. (Read Hana’s story on page 27)

Veronica Pickering, the Deputy Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire and the patron of Nottingham FGM Steering Group thanked all present for supporting the event and taking the first steps towards tackling FGM. “We need to come together in raising awareness about FGM and working towards eliminating it completely. FGM survivors require support and everyone needs to understand that ending FGM includes supporting FGM survivors, reducing stigma surrounding FGM and helping safeguard those at risk of undergoing FGM”.

Nottingham connected

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The Sheriff of Nottingham Cllr. Jackie Morris made a committment on behalf of the City Council to support the Mojatu Foundation efforts in tackling FGM in Nottingham. She commented on the importance of protecting girls at risk and supporting survivors of FGM. The conference was supported by Kinsi Clarke of the Nottingham Refugee Forum, Juma Amdani of African Institute of Social Development, Manjit Barnes of WAIS, Mandy Pride of the Nottingham City Council, Sonia Long of New Rose Associates Ltd Social media was by Trevor Cocker of Nottingham Institute while the exellent lunch was prepared by Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant along Alfreton Road in Nottingham.

The attendees responded to the conference by suggesting ways forward in tackling FGM in Nottinghamshire and supporting FGM survivors (Read full report in page 24).

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TO THE RESIDENTS OF NOTTINGHAM CITY, In the Nottingham City area, it is estimated approximately 1,400 people may suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. TO THE RESIDENTS OF NOTTINGHAM CITY, Rheumatoid arthritis can develop at any age, and if left untreated can cause permanent disability. But the earlier it is spotted and diagnosed, the easier it is to treat effectively.

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Veronic a Picker ing Deputy Lieuten an Notting hamshir t e Council

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Caroline Bell Foster Author

In the Nottingham City area, it is estimated approximately 1,400 people may suffer ne from rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis can develop at any age, and if Matthew Hor Actor left untreated can cause permanent disability. But the earlier it is spotted and To emphasise the importance seeking advice for rheumatoid diagnosed, the easierof it is to treatmedical effectively.

TO THE RESIDENTS OF NOTTINGHAM CITY, arthritis early on, a number of us from the area, who rely on our hands or feet professionally, have pledged our support to a local Public Health England campaign to raise awareness of this disease.

To emphasise the importance of seeking medical advice for rheumatoid arthritis early on, a number of us from theNottingham area, who rely City on our handsitor professionally, have pledged1,400 our support to amay local suffer In the area, isfeet estimated approximately people Public Health arthritis. England campaign to raise arthritis awarenesscan of this disease. at any age, and if from rheumatoid Rheumatoid develop

left untreated can cause permanent disability. But the earlier it is spotted and

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Swollen joints, stiff joints (especially in the morning) and painful joints can often be ignored, but they diagnosed, the easier it is to treat effectively. can be the warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis and so we are calling for you to visit your GP if you Jawaid Khaliq Boxer notice these symptoms. Seeking early treatment of this disease can make a real difference to your To emphasise the importance of seeking medical advice for rheumatoid arthritis early on, a number quality of life. of us from the area, who rely on our hands or feet professionally, have pledged our support to a local Public Health England campaign to raise awareness of this disease.

Swollen joints, stiff joints (especially in the morning) and painful joints can often be ignored, but they can be the warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis and so we are calling for you to visit your GP if you notice these Swollen joints, stiff joints (especially in the morning) and painful joints can often be ignored, but they Yours sincerely, symptoms. early treatment ofwethis disease canto make aGP real can be the warningSeeking signs of rheumatoid arthritis and so are calling for you visit your if you notice these symptoms. Seeking early treatment of this disease can make a real difference to your to your quality life.ambassadors Public Health England difference and their rheumatoid arthritisof local quality of life.

Jawaid Khaliq Boxer

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Yours sincerely, sincerely, Public Health England and theirYours rheumatoid arthritis local ambassadors

Veronica Pickering, Deputy Lieutenant Nottinghamshire Council:

Public Health England and their rheumatoid arthritis local ambassadors “In my busy role as Deputy Lieutenant Nottinghamshire I heavily rely on Caroline Bell Foster Author

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effective use of my Deputy hands, feetLieutenant and joints to fulfil everyday tasks. I also Veronica Pickering, Nottinghamshire work with many Nottingham residents who do amazing things with their Council: hands and feet including entrepreneurs, artists and voluntary workers. like to role encourage Nottingham residents notNottinghamshire to take our hands and I “In myI’dbusy as Deputy Lieutenant Pickering, Deputy Nottinghamshire Council: feet for Veronica granted, see your doctor if you Lieutenant experience any symptoms.” heavily rely“Inonmyeffective of Lieutenant my hands, feet and joints busy role asuse Deputy Nottinghamshire I heavily rely on effectivetasks. use of my hands, feet and joints to fulfilNottingham everyday tasks. I also to fulfil everyday I also work with many work with many Nottingham residents who do amazing things with their residents who do things with their and workers. feet hands andamazing feet including entrepreneurs, artistshands and voluntary I’d like to encourageartists Nottingham not to take our hands including entrepreneurs, andresidents voluntary workers. I’dand like to feet for granted, see your doctor if you experience any symptoms.” encourage Nottingham residents not to take our hands and feet for granted, see your doctor if you experience any symptoms.”

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Rheumatoid Arthritis: Do Not Ignore the Symptoms Residents of Nottingham City have been urged to act upon signs of rheumatoid arthritis. The new Public Health England campaign is calling on people to visit their GP if they experience swollen, stiff or painful joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition where the body’s defense system attacks the joints causing them to be inflamed and painful. The disease can cause serious disability if it is not caught early. If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can cause permanent disability. You should visit your doctor if you experience one or more of the following symptoms: • Stiff joints (especially in the morning) • Swollen joints • Pain in your joints

they don’t believe the symptoms to be serious. If the disease (which can affect people at any age including children) is left untreated, symptoms can worsen and can lead to permanent disability. Almost one third of people stop work within two years because the symptoms of the disease become too debilitating, and this proportion increases with time. But if caught early, treatment can reduce the risk of further joint damage and permanent disability and make a real difference to quality of life.

The campaign encouraging people to visit their GP if they experience the symptoms, consists of press, radio, poster and digital advertising and is supported by PR. Information leaflets will be provided in GP surgeries and pharmacies and face-to-face events will be taking place in venues such as shopping centres, garden centres and supermarkets across Nottingham Women, especially those aged 40-65, are at a higher City throughout February and March. The campaign risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Between will also run in Hardwick, Derbyshire. half and three quarters of people with rheumatoid arthritis delay seeking medical help from their GP For further information about the signs and for three months or more following symptom onset, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, please visit and around a fifth delay for a year or more, because www.nhs.uk/ra.

Nottingham connected

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Communities Inc. Putting Communities in Control in tackling hate crime and supporting victims and witnesses to report it. They won a national award for this project to which Shamsher Chohan, Director says ‘it was a nice surprise; it’s good to know that our work is valued’.

Shamsher Chohan (centre) is presented the Together in Services Award by Stephan Williams MP (left) and Daniel Singleton, National Executive Director of Faith Action (right)

Communities Inc have fast become pioneers in tackling hate crime. Hate crime is any crime which is perceived to be motivated by prejudice, hate or hostility. Victims are often targeted because of their difference for example their race, religion, disability or sexuality. With over 50 years experience between the 2 founding Directors, Shamsher Chohan and Michael Henry, it is no surprise how well they are doing. A pilot project (funded by the PCC - 2013) to improve the reporting of hate crime through third party centres focussed on community based organisations was the first of its kind in the UK. In a spin off project, Communities Inc developed a resource ‘Faith and Hate Crime’ which looked at the role faith groups can play

A further spin off project sees Communities Inc tackling hate crime through businesses in Hyson Green. ‘This is an area where some businesses who are open late at night have themselves been victims of hate crime, so it makes sense that they get involved to make a stand against it’ says Michael Henry, Director. Communities Inc are supporting the Department for Communities and Local Government in organising their Integration Roadshow for Nottingham. For more details about Communities Inc. and their work, visit www.communitiesinc.org.uk.

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10 News & Sports

George Africanus - From Slavery to Freedom and Citizenship By Fanta Manneh

B elong is a communit y development charity based in the Hyson Green area of Nottingham primarily working towards the advancement of social and economic integration of predominantly African m i g ra nt g ro u p s, i n c l u d i n g asylum seekers and refugees. Funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund, this project derived from a desire to celebrate African heritage and its contribution to the city of Nottingham.

achieved and is still ongoing through touring exhibitions, education packs, interactive learning materials, local events, leaflets, George Africanus website, calendar and book.

We wanted the local community to gain inspiration from the life story of George Africanus who was brought to England within the 18th century at the tender age of 3 from Sierra Leone (West Africa) as a slave and went on to become Nottingham’s first African entrepreneur. The aim of the project is to document the civic and entrepreneurial heritage of the black African migrant community in the East Midlands from the 18th century to present day by highlighting the inspirational role of George Africanus. This is the story of someone who went from being a migrant slave to a wealthy, well respected and active citizen within the Nottingham community in his time.

• Encouraging the black African community to actively access heritage facilities with training on how to do so.

During his time, he enjoyed many privileges that people of his background could only dream of such as two successful businesses, the ability to vote in local elections at a time when even women couldn’t vote, and being a homeowner. The project will produce a George Africanus Book which will tell his story, how his legacy came about and what led to his economic and entrepreneurial success compared to his compatriots.

• A Civic reception held on the 9th October 2014 as a sign projects success. The Lord Mayor of Nottingham City was a key guest with volunteers and community members present.

The project has been instrumental in raising public awareness and learning and the establishment of George Africanus’ legacy and heritage locally. This has been

Key elements of this project: • Recruitment of volunteers to partake in Heritage research in aims of help find out as much as we can about George, his family tree and in particular, any living relatives. • Document the heritage of the black African community in the region through enterprise and civic participation using George Africanus as the main inspirational figure for public awareness and learning.

• Providing a source of inspiration and increasing confidence within the black African community through the legacy of George Africanus. • Coordinating community events to encourage heritage learning and social networking. • Providing opportunities for staff and project volunteers to acquire new skills. Project activities achieved to date:

• Sessions with local communities to learn about the project and its progress to date. • George Africanus walks which consisted of members of the local community and volunteers. • A Blue plaque placed at St Mary’s Church in honour of George as a significant figure in Nottingham history, similar to other local heroes and legends such as Robin Hood. • Touring exhibitions that have consisted of banners, poster and leaflets filled with heritage information about George at various locations and schools in the city. • The Creation of George Africanus products/materials website, information leaflets and calendars, children’s book, as part of education learning packs to go out to schools for years 5-7 . We hope to have opportunities for creative writing activities and competitions for African migrants with similar stories enabling them to share their own experiences of migration with prospects of competition winners work appearing on George Africanus website. The project has had a huge impact on the community by enhancing skills and personal development via involvement in the project

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through training and activities on heritage research, group workshops/meetings, creative writing, archiving, IT training and visits to local museums. This has widened engagement and skills development especially among our service users, volunteers and the community in general. George Africanus’ 250th Baptism anniversary will be on the 31st of March 2016. This is a key moment in George’s heritage and we hope to hold a big celebratory event here in Nottingham with details to follow on our website. If you are interested in volunteering, we are recruiting in the areas of heritage research, marketing, web content writing, web design, admin and management, with training and support offered.

For more details, contact me on: 0115 979 0015 fanta.manneh@belongnottingham.co.uk www.georgeafricanus.com

PATRA INCORPORATING ACDA JOB VACANCIES Earn £9000 per year plus training if aged 16 – 18

For more information contact:

Have you recently left school or college and are aged 16 – 18? How would you like to earn £750 a month (take home) and the chance to study for an on-the-job qualification? If so, PATRA might have the right job for you as we have a number of administrative vacancies.

0115 942 2440 info@patraeastmidlands.co.uk www.patraeastmidlands.co.uk

If you are from the BME community and want a job look no further than PATRA Incorporating ACDA, because we are offering one-year placements in business administration at Nottingham City Council.

PATRA Incorporating ACDA Marcus Garvey Centre Lenton Boulevard Nottingham NG7 2BY

As well as working you will be expected to undertake on-the-job training that will enable you to obtain a qualification at NVQ Level 1 or 2.

Section 158 of the Equality Act 2010 applies

This is a great opportunity to gain the skills you’ve always wanted and earn £9000 a year at the same time.

As part of the process to become a PATRA trainee you will be required to go through an assessment which tests your literacy, numeracy and IT skills.

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12 News & Sports

Jaimie Laws Police expand community engagement V.I.P Programme Manager - Inchcape Mercedes

Proposal to launch community platform on Mojatu.com By Sukesh Verma - Photo courtesy of Donna Jordan

Following a chance meeting with Valentine Nkoyo, the Managing Editor for the Mojatu magazine, at Roger Henryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Taken Too Soonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; charity football event, I have the great pleasure and honour of being asked to write an initial article in relation to Nottinghamshire Police, Mojatu and its vast audience working more closely in the future. By way of an introduction, I am Suk Verma, a Police Sergeant on the armed policing team in Nottingham. Yes, I am Asian, so in British culture I am immediately categorised as a member of a minority ethnic group! I was born and raised in Nottingham, therefore, am passionate and devoted to me and my team serving my home city of the last 34 years to the best of my ability. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always get everything right, but I am someone who will listen and learn from such mistakes. Hopefully, with the help of Mojatu, I can learn about what really matters to its many diverse readers and make a difference from a policing perspective going forward.

opera â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;EastEndersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, a re-run of the first episode from 30 years ago was re-aired. And within this episode I overheard one of the characters refer to the local shop as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Paki Shopâ&#x20AC;?. Little did my brain allow me to believe that this actually occurred that I used the wonder of technology to rewind the programme to watch the scene again â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and yes Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d heard right! Whilst shocking; this brought back personal experiences and memories of such small minded people I had encountered throughout childhood. Is it only thirty years ago when this was acceptable language on national television from a character still in the soap opera? (And no I am not a big EastEnders fan!).

The first are the despicable actions of football fans in Paris who refused to allow a black man to board a train and openly displayed violence towards him. How can society, in one of the largest cities in Europe, allow this to occur?

Thirdly, I attended the inaugural lecture of Professor Simon Holdaway whose lifetime of research around racism and such culture within the police service was discussed in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;slow race for changeâ&#x20AC;?. Whilst a deeply interesting and for me personal journey of issues within my organisation, which must and are changing, Professor Holdaway discussed the fact that racism today has become covert. Immediately in my mind I thought that this is far more dangerous than simply overt racism in which one knows another personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thoughts and feelings. I will never forget a former colleague and manager who referred to me as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;colouredâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and stated â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I was okay for one of thoseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Maybe it was easier when I knew where I stood!

Secondly, during the anniversary week of the BBC soap

The reason why the three events above are so

While sitting and scripting this article, three events remain fresh, circling around my mind considering race and culture;

Photos courtesy of Donna Jordan

Nottingham connected pertinent is that I continue to question whether society is genuinely changing, or do people bury prejudices away from the surface? As an organisation, I believe Nottinghamshire Police is changing and evolving. And through a series of articles with Mojatu, I will seek to tackle key issues in depth such as stop and search, recruitment, retention and the progression of black and ethnic groups into the police service, and enhancing trust and confidence in a time when the relationship of the public and police needs to be better and stronger than ever before. Let me touch on these very briefly. Stop and search has been subject of a national and local overhaul in terms of training and recording. Having been a subject of stop and search in my youth, I think locally we are progressing far better than our counterparts. Each and every search must be recorded, justified and examined by supervisors. Take it from me that officers are accountable for all their actions and the vast proportion do an excellent job. Like any industry we will always have a minority that will let the team down and, unfortunately, such experiences can have a monumental impact. Believe me that such people are being brought to task. Recruitment and progression is something that the Black Police Association (BPA), chief officers and HR teams are working through. I recently sat on the recruitment panel for new police constables and was pleased to see such diversity. However, we still need to improve. Within Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire, specialist operations teams – my current world - Black and Asian Officers account for just three per cent of the departmental total. In terms of rank we currently have no representation at chief officer level and soon this will also be the case at several layers down. This needs to change and I am determined to help drive this forward. We need this representation to allow us to effectively police by consent the diverse and multi-cultural communities of Nottinghamshire. Tap the Gap has been well publicised and has been a programme I have been involved with for many years. This initiative aimed at local young students

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experiencing what we do on a daily basis and spending time with me and colleagues alike, resulted in a thirty three per cent increase in the likelihood of them wanting to join the police as a career. I was both staggered and extremely proud of being a part of helping change student’s mind-sets. We still have a long, long way to go and can only help enforce change by listening to you and your ideas. I am hoping to set up an ‘online chat’ with the Mojatu readers to listen to what really matters to you over the next few months. So, please use this opportunity to help me and the local police to develop in the way that you want. I am a big believer in Locard’s exchange principle whereby every contact leaves a trace. The more times as a police service we leave a positive one, the better. Thank you for reading this and to Mojatu for their continued support. And please present any thoughts to me or the Mojatu team for the forthcoming months. We are inviting everyone to share their views on policing and how police activities impact on your community. You can share your views on this article and the ways in which the police can interact and engage better with the communities by emailing engage@mojatu.com. or visit www.mojatu.com/policing from May 2015. Sukesh Verma is a member of East Midlands Operational Support Services

14 Community

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Community Nottingham connected

Igbo Kwenu!

Igbo Union Nottingham. Third Annual Iriji 2014.

By Edwin Ubah December 14th 2014 saw the Igbo Union Nottingham bring Nigerians and other well-wishers locally and beyond to the city to celebrate yet another successful and fruitful year. The event took place at the Hyson Green Youth Club.

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My Dubai Trips: A Lesson for Africa? ByAndrew M. Mwenda I spent the first week of this month in Dubai having first visited Dubai in 1996. I have since visited this desert town almost every year since 2002. Compared to today, the Dubai of 1996 was a small well-knit city, cosy and personal. You could literally walk the streets window-shopping from one shop to another and feel connected to it. There was an occasional shopping mall or arcade, but one could count these on the fingers on one palm. There were also many hotels within walking distance of each other. Walking down any street you could accidentally bump into many Ugandans visiting the city and walk down to a nearby café to gossip about President Yoweri Museveni’s schemes to keep power, corruption in the government, and institutional dysfunction in our country. Dubai airport itself was beautiful but familiar – no different from other airports around the world in size or grandeur. But one felt that the place was different, that something big was happening. It was all in the air, a beehive of activity. Compared to now, Dubai of 2004 (a decade ago) was a little town. Today, Dubai is not just a city. It is a mega city, a sprawling metropolis with a jungle of sky-scrappers, twelve lane streets, air-trains, flyovers, shopping malls, all clans of the most expensive cars, golf courses, tennis courts and the world’s tallest building, the world’s most expensive hotel etc. The old city is almost dead. The new one is impersonal, connected only by technology. Although it looks magnificent, today’s Dubai also feels artificial. It lacks character – like many North American cities. Today’s Dubai may be flash with money but it lacks the kind of taste one finds in Paris, Brussels, and Rome.

too often, we argue (echoing the language of London, Brussels, Washington and Paris that the absence of these governance “fundamentals” is a major part of the explanation for our economic backwardness. I write this article with a lot of humility because I am a passionate believer in these principles as well. I am the archetypal product of a Western education – imparted upon me from birth by reading western scholarship. However, Dubai’s rapid transformation from a fishing village to a sprawling metropolis in a generation defies everything I have believed about economic transformation. In that country, the citizens hardly participate in the politics of the country through elections, or free assembly and publicity. The leader (an Emir) literally decides what is good for the country and a bureaucracy (itself largely staffed by foreign technical experts) implements his vision for the good of his people. And it works. I belong to the free market variety of thought. But even here my ideological outlook is defeated by facts. The government (to be precise, the Emir and his family) literally own almost everything – the airline, hotels, banks, insurance companies, real estate, telecommunications, even taxis are all owned by the state (or the ruling family). It is difficult to distinguish the private (or personal) wealth of the ruler of Dubai from the public assets of the state. Power is centralised and almost personalised in his hands – he makes all the fundamental decisions. There is no parliament to restrain his hand, no judiciary to balance his power, no press to expose scandal, and no civil society to agitate for the interests of the citizens.

The Emir runs the country like a business – him being the CEO. He hires and fires personnel at will; has an army of international experts to manage the large businesses. Love or hate his ways, the system delivers for his people. The citizens of Dubai have one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, the highest standard of living and equally the best social welfare system of any country. Service to the citizen is not a result of civic organisation and pressure but rather But how did it all happen – in just ten years? Dubai defies seems to come from the conscience of the ruling elite everything that has obsessed our public discourse over to make a difference in the lives of their people. the decades in regard to how to transform a country. Indeed, governance is very paternalistic. Most Anyone following debate on economic development citizens of Dubai you meet and talk to describe in Uganda (and Africa generally) would hear such the ruler as kind and generous. People approach words as democracy, human rights, governmental him with personal problems – whether financial or accountability, bottom-up policies, freedom of speech marital and he offers assistance and guidance. He and association, free and fair elections, separation of is both a head of state and a father figure to his powers, political participation blah blah blah… All citizens. Even foreigners from other Arab nations

Nottingham connected and the Far East who work in Dubai describe him in such personal terms. One cab driver told me that sometimes he drives himself in his car without any security detail. That once when a traffic police officer stopped him and gave him a ticket, he showed up at a police station to pay his fine. This may be true or just a myth. But regardless of its authenticity, this story forms part of the narrative of how power is exercised.

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therefore produced a specific institutional setup. It is unlikely that one can cut and paste it on a society with different social dynamics and they work. Therefore, a major source of failure in Africa may be this mismatch between demands and solutions.

Andrew M. Mwenda is a Ugandan journalist, founder and Managing Editor of The Independent, a current affairs news magazine and Ugandaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier current affairs newsmagazine. One of Foreign Policy I am not suggesting that Uganda adopts the magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top 100 Global Thinkers, TED Speaker and governance model of Dubai. However, the lesson Foreign aid Critic, amwenda@independent.co.ug. we learn is that what makes nations successful Dubai past & present is the ability to find public policies and political institutions that their people understand. Part of the problem of Uganda (and Africa) is that we spend so much time reciting foreign ideologies chapter and verse but always fail to relate them to our realities. Thus while our problems are local and the demands to solve them are locally generated, the tendency is that when it comes to designing solutions, we retreated to theories drawn from textbooks. These theories evolved in North America and Europe to explain a specific historical experience â&#x20AC;&#x201C; how changing technology drove structural change and all this led to political struggles. These struggles were nourished by existing norms, values, traditions, and shared cultural understandings and

2014

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“As human beings we need to be each other’s keepers & supporters.” Bishop Moses Masamba 2014, Project Riandu Patron This is the foundational belief of the Project Riandu team. This partnership, consists of the Mbeere Mothers Union, deaf teenagers in eastern Kenya, a group of UK students, and the Peter Cowley Africa Trust. We recognise that humans have both a duty to support each other and the power to do so. Project Riandu team are working together to improve the integration of deaf and hearing impaired into local Kenyan society by building a specialised secondary school for deaf students in Riandu, eastern Kenya. There is currently a lack of social understanding in Kenya regarding what it means to be deaf or hearing impaired. Deafness is often demonised resulting in many parents being ashamed of their children. This leads to the children being isolated, neglected and even abused. There is also limited support from the state. The current schooling system isn’t prepared to cater adequately for the needs of deaf students so many don’t receive an education. This severely limits their capacity to communicate and express themselves as they neither learn sign language nor to lip read. Opportunities for deaf people are restricted given the minimal support from the home and state. The inspirational and highly motivated Mothers Union women, within the Mbeere Anglican Diocese, recognised the need for action on supporting deaf children. Through their wisdom, insight and passion, they set about to

improve opportunities and integration of deaf students by setting up St Luke’s Primary school for the deaf. This supported 150 deaf and hearing impaired students with an access to education every year. In 2013, through the Peter Cowley Africa Trust, they invited a team from the UK to support their work to build St Mary Magdelene Secondary School for Deaf teenagers. Honoured to work with such visionary people, the predominantly student led UK team worked hard to provide architectural designs, to fundraise and to recruit volunteers. In Kenya, the Mothers Union set up a temporary secondary school for deaf students in their retreat centre. In August 2014, Project Riandu started on Phase One of the building process. The volunteers worked hard on the site, learning from the local construction team how to build. A kitchen, two classrooms and two dormitories were constructed. The current students plan to move into these facilities in February 2015. This partnership will continue until the school has the capacity to educate 200 pupils at a time. The project is supported by both the local government and central government who are providing funding for teachers and a classroom. The team is thrilled by the progress and passionate for the future. But the task is not easy as they need to raise over £150,000 by June 2015. Please help us accomplish this by donating or joining the group. Visit www.projectriandu.com or contact us at projectriandu@live.co.uk.

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Share your stories, photos, views and videos with us by emailing news@mojatu.com To join the Media Champions Scheme - see page 29

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East African Muslim women on female genital mutilation: ‘We were not meant to enjoy sex. We were supposed to be machines to have babies.’ By Musa Okwonga On the last day of my Easter holidays, Dr. Phoebe Abe (or, as I know her, my mother) sat down in her living room with me and several women from Somalia, Egypt and Sudan. My mother, a GP, had for some time been looking at the issue of female genital mutilation (FGM) with Dr Comfort Momoh MBE. However, this was the first time that I had ever met people with whom she worked. Each of these women had undergone FGM early in their lives, and now, encouraged by her, they were talking frankly about how they felt. One of them spoke of the agony that the procedure still caused her three decades later. Frequently, when bent over with pain, she would receive little understanding from those in her community who did not know what she had experienced. “Sometimes they just call you lazy,” she explained. “Most Somali women are very big,” she said, swiftly outlining the curves of her hips with her outstretched arms. “‘You need to exercise, you need to lose weight,’ they tell you.” When going to see doctors, she had met with an attitude that was no less frustrating. “Sometimes you feel like maybe they don’t care,” she said. On several occasions when she went for an appointment, complaining of severe backache, she was

mojatu.com prescribed painkillers without further examination, which merely led to complications elsewhere: most notably, the ibuprofen that she was given led to stomach pains, only compounding her discomfort. The true problem lay deeper, and was only diagnosed after she fainted on one of her weekly visits to her GP. As a result of the removal of her clitoris as a child, she now has incessant trouble with her back, and found it very difficult to hold her urine, which she found “very embarrassing”, as a result of which “we have isolated ourselves”, she said looking round at each of her friends in the room. They nodded in agreement. She said this is how FGM typically happens. When you’re six years old, girls in the year above at the local school, or madrassa, go and have the procedure done; after that, they return to school and they tell you that you’re dirty for not having gone through it until you’ve had it done yourself. “We look up to them like they’re big girls,” she said. At that point, the young girls will go to their mothers and ask when they can have it done too. Then they go and have and it done; and, she says with a wry laugh, “then you get disabled”. Having gone through this, their male agemates will look at them with renewed respect, telling each of them that “you’re a good girl, you’re clean now, eh?” By the age of 14, most if not all of the girls will each have been paired off with a man, “and you’re expected to have your first baby at 16”. One of the women got married at 16 to a 36year-old man, and one of the others recalled that, when she got married, “I was 18, he was 43”.

Nottingham connected “Back home, men can have wives in another country”, one of them noted, revealing that “when my father died, we [found that] we had Indian sisters, [and] sisters in Norway”. Having said that, due to the extreme discomfort that is the legacy of FGM, they took a very pragmatic approach to these affairs. They would rather that they fulfilled their needs elsewhere. “Why don’t you just have another wife?” “Go and get yourself a minyire [a second wife, pronounced minyear-ray]”, one of them told her husband. “Sex for me is like a chore…We were not meant to enjoy sex. We were supposed to be machines to have babies.” Often the women would just pretend to enjoy sex, so as to get it over with. “You don’t want to disappoint him, so you lie,” one of them said. “You say, yes, yes, yes,” she panted, rolling her eyes theatrically as the others laughed. It was after sex that the complications always arrived. “I have been married for 10 years and have only had sex seven times,” said another woman. “[After sex], I cry for two hours and then have paracetamol. You can use hot water, to soothe yourself [between the legs] with a shower. The first time is the worst, because the skin [which has been sewn back up] gets ripped.” The dearth of resources in this area had dangerous consequences, said my mother, who saw one or two cases of FGM in her local surgery each week. GPs throughout the UK needed training so that they were aware of this problem. “These women might die from renal failure without anyone knowing that they are suffering,” she said. Moreover the numbers were sobering, in the UK there are 20,000 girls at risk of this procedure every year; in Africa alone, that figure is 3 million. An estimated 66,000 young girls and women in the UK have gone through it; in Africa, the number is thought to be more than 90 million. My mother recommended that several centres, or “pain clinics” should be set up across the UK, whose staff should include a gynaecologist and urologist who each specialised in FGM. That way, she said, “we can make their lives a little bit better and see if there is any way they can have a more enjoyable and comfortable sex life.” She said that local MPs and Mayors should be made aware of this problem; and, noting the Government’s recent announcement of £35 million to address FGM in 10 countries, she also proposed arranging FGM conferences in Africa, where women who had undergone this procedure could talk openly about their experiences.

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None of these women saw any basis in Islam for FGM, which originated in Egypt from the times of the Pharaohs. “It’s haram – it is prohibited – in our religion to do anything to your daughter,” one of them said. “It’s completely unnecessary. There’s no medical evidence that it helps. [After FGM] you’re physically disabled, in a way, but you’re also mentally traumatised, hating yourself. Every time you go to the toilet and you look down there, you know that there is another woman out there who is normal.” However, though they had endured this, the women were clear that this was not an exercise in recrimination. “I would not blame my parents for this,” said one of them. “They didn’t do this because they wanted to torture us. It’s time to educate our people. [And] what we want is not sympathy. What we want is to be heard. As we are sitting here talking, this minute there is a child who is being taken to the mountains to be done… It is a crime against humanity. We have daughters: are we going to do exactly the same to our daughters?”

Musa Okwonga is a poet, author, sportswriter, broadcaster, musician, communications adviser and commentator on current affairs, including culture, politics, sport, race and sexuality. A former City solicitor, Musa writes for the Financial Times, ESPN and The Independent and is a regular guest on the BBC World Service. He is the author of two books on football, A Cultured Left Foot (Duckworths, 2007) and Will You Manage? (Serpent’s Tail, 2010), the first of which was nominated for the 2008 William Hill Sports Book of the Year.

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Global Media Campaign on FGM Launched in The Gambia

engagement and campaigns so as to raise awareness about Sexual and Gender Based Violence (GBV), encourage the use of dialogue in changing the mindset By Bai Mass Mbaye of people concerning FGM, empower the public on Think Young Women (TYW) and Safe Hand for issues of FGM and most importantly the enactment of Girls (SHFG) in conjunction with The Guardian legislation to end the practice of FGM in The Gambia”. and UNFPA The Gambia launched the Guardian’s Ms. Jonga also underscored the need for training Global Media Campaign to EndFGM in The Gambia and engaging community groups so as to counter at Senegambia Beach Hotel last month. hostility towards those addressing FGM and The chair of the event, Jama Jack, of the University of The Gambia called for more media action and targeted operations to tackle FGM noting that “despite numerous campaigns to eliminate or at least mitigate FGM, The Gambia has still got a very high FGM prevalence, rated at over 70%”. Ms. Haddijatou Jonga, the coordinator Think Young Women noted that in their work to tackle FGM, they have found it to be a deeply rooted traditional practice. “We need wider and more innovative media

countering challenges such as language sensitivity and gender biases. She noted that addressing FGM can be accomplished further by engaging different forms of media such as print, social media, radios, TV and community based media activities.

Maggie O’Kane of the Guardian, stressed that the role of journalists is mostly downplayed in The Gambia due to certain cultural practices. She called for wider media engagement in tackling FGM in The Gambia and beyond.

Sisters in the Community: Supporting

By Malaika Kayani & Edited by Fiker Saifeselassie

Sisters in the Community is a Nottingham-based group that supports vulnerable and isolated women in the community. We help individuals to identify what they want to achieve and how they can get there and provide them with encouragement and inspiration. We host events and gatherings to support bridge the gap between women in our communities, due to faith, culture and isolation and that help women to share their skills, thoughts, recipes, tips and friendship. Our current activities, such as the monthly cook off and pampering sessions are attended by women from all faiths and backgrounds. Children are welcome to these sessions. We provide a meeting space and focal point for women. Launched as a small group to support women who have converted to Islam, we lacked confidence but we are helping each other to overcome this. We have grown in numbers and diversity with many faith groups included. We have also grown in confidence as we discuss many sensitive issues affecting most women in a friendly and women only environment. New members are welcome and we encourage women to have an input into the project and the direction of it. To get involved email sistersinthecommunity@outlook.com or call 07960613639. Join us on Facebook: http://goo.gl/noEkVP

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By Rebecca Crerar Edited byThelma Ruskin Suffolk Refugee Support has been supporting asylum seekers and those seeking advice and help in Ipswich and the surrounding areas since 1999. Over the past 14 years, Suffolk Refugee Support has helped over 15,000 people from over 40 different countries. Our charity has become well-known for helping asylum seekers and refugees in Suffolk to be treated with respect and have the opportunities to integrate into life in the UK. We have recently started working on efforts to address and eradicate FGM in Suffolk. Our services entail Drop-in Advice and Advocacy Service, Health Advice, Employment Service and classes for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). We also have gender specific support groups such as the International Women’s Group, Men’s Sports and Social Group and Friends Group. In addition, we offer skills enhancement opportunities through our learning courses plus talks and training opportunities. Based in Ipswich town centre, we offer support on a variety of issues such as housing issues, Legal referrals, financial issues, and asylum matters. Our work has a focus on increasing the physical and mental well-being of refugees and asylum seekers. We work in liaison with health professionals such as hospital consultants, mental health services, health visitors, public health personnel and health charities, to ensure our clients are able to access good health advice and support. We currently run six English classes per week. We consider being able to communicate in English to be key to integration.

FGM Work Early this year, Rosa Fund and Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner funded Suffolk Refugee Support to develop a Suffolk based programme to tackling FGM in the area. We have since appointed an FGM Project Coordinator, who will work with • Help ascertain the numbers of victims of FGM in Suffolk. • Determine the numbers of girls at risk of the practice. • Ensure that a robust referral framework is in place. This framework will include Social Care, the Police, local GP’s and hospitals, midwives and health visitors, and teachers. The project will also seek to provide appropriate and sensitive support both physically and mentally for the victims and potential victims and to tackle the deeply held beliefs around the practice. We know there are women from some of the FGM practising countries living in Suffolk, mainly in Ipswich, and we are keen to bring them into the project and listen to their views and address their needs.

International Women’s Group Picnic in the park.

You now have the opportunity to adopt one of our trees or plant your own adopted tree including Hazel, Beech, Crabapple, Birch, Maple, Holly, Oak, Chestnut and Apple trees! Packages 1) Card Certificate – from £20 2) Recycled wooden plaque -from £35 3) Brass plaque – from £40 (Depending on number of words engraved) Choose your message - for example “In loving memory of…….” “In Celebration of our Golden Wedding Anniversary” “To mark the birth of our son / daughter” See back page for more information or visit www.eco-centre.org.uk

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Way Forward: End FGM Conference Action Plans Data analysis by Xiaomin Qi - Photos by Sehrish Din & Joanna Frith Following the national conference, Mojatu and the Nottingham end FGM Steering Group analysed the results and the views of all those present. The analyses was based on data collected from feedback forms, commitment forms, question and answer session and the discussion forum facilitated by Michal Henry and Samsher Cohen of Communities Inc. These results will help Mojatu, The Police, Local Authorities, Nottingham FGM Steering Group and other partners to tackle FGM locally and beyond. First, the conference had over 85 attendees with there being more women than men. Most of the respondents were shocked to hear that though the statistics state about 400 FGM survivors were seen over 6 months in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hospitals, the data available is haphazard and difficult to collaborate and justify. They thus felt that there is need for better data collection and presentation processes to help not just support FGM survivors but also safeguard those in danger. Over 93% of the attendees felt that there is limited if any form of awareness especially among communities, including those affected by FGM plus the Caribbean and local communities hence the need for increased and continuous awareness campaigns. A similar number of people recommended that there was need for widened community and interprofessional engagement. They recommended that FGM awareness and campaigns locally should be targeted to schools, faith groups, youths and the young, men and healthcare and medical professionals. The views of Chris Cutland, the deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, on the need to forge new links with community groups so as to tackle FGM and increase reporting was also widely identified. Over 73% of the respondents felt that awareness of the dangers of FGM and better ways of enforcing the laws are core in eliminating FGM. However, over 98%

of respondents also felt that better knowledge by the community about what FGM is, its health implications, its lack of religious connotation and engaging survivors in FGM campaigns are fundamental approaches in eradicating FGM locally and globally. There was hence an overwhelming recommendation that FGM survivors and communities where FGM is practiced should be at the forefront of the training and tackling FGM campaigns and activities. The attendees also felt that there is little knowledge on the pathways for safeguarding, reporting or supporting either those in danger of FGM or the FGM survivors. Over 57% of the people felt that they either had no idea how to deal with supporting those in danger of experiencing FGM or supporting FGM survivors. There is thus need for a mapping tool that informs of the pathways for healthcare services of FGM survivors and better pollicisation of the ways to report prospective cases of FGM. Many respondents also felt that information on service and support provision on FGM including knowledge, resources and details on agencies and professionals dealing with FGM are disintegrated and haphazard. There is thus need for creation of a centralised database that brings everyone dealing with FGM together. This will help in having a centralised tool or platform for helping to tackle FGM, support survivors, train individuals and communities on FGM and arm the local people with the necessary information on tackling FGM. There is hence a need to take a corporate approach when recognising the signs and symptoms of FGM and the referral processes. Moreover, there is need for tools to help cultural shift among practicing communities through awareness and engagement processes. In conclusion, everyone felt there is need for ongoing awareness activities to tackle FGM and safeguard those in danger of FGM. They also agreed that though legal deterrents are necessary, the MOST IMPORTANT thing is to protect young girls and women from having FGM done on them.

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Hana’s FGM Survivors Story: Unfulfilled Love, Lost Dreams & a Daughter’s Protection

By Hana Gibremedhen - Hana is FGM Community Media Champion I was born and brought up in Fear for my daughter Ethiopia before moving to the UK. At the age of 8, I was forced Many reports show that FGM is still happening and as to go through FGM in Ethiopia. I a mother of a young beautiful daughter, I am always will never forget that day which concerned about the prospects of her getting cut. I has continued to impact on my know my family said they are no longer practicing FGM life and is now affecting my only but I am still nervous. When I went to Ethiopia last, I was extremely uncomfortable leaving my daughter alone, daughter. especially - not even with my family. I am ever so scared Aged 8, I was made to sit on a that they might persuade her to undergo the operation wooden mortar with my legs behind my back. I am haunted at the prospects of her apart outside our compound. I felt a sharp pain on my undergoing FGM and do all I can to protect her, starting genitals as the circumciser cut off my clitoris. I cannot with informing her about the problems with FGM and remember how long the operation took but the why she should NEVER have it done. excruciating pain made the operation seem as if it took forever. The open wound was often rubbed with herbs Support for survivors whose stinging effect made the pain and shock effect FGM survivors go through so many complications unbearable for weeks on end. My greatest fear was the and problems in their day to day lives, in addition thought of going to the toilet as the pangs of pain hurt to the normal life’s troubles experienced by many every part of my body. women. That is why we are working together in raising awareness and getting more survivors together to help No Sex! Painful Delivery one another. Forming a survivor’s network is important What I did not know was that this was the beginning of in empowering each other by sharing knowledge on a lifetime of suffering and unfulfilled dreams. My first how to deal with complications arising from FGM. sexual encounter was so painful, and it still traumatises Having an FGM steering group in Nottingham and me thinking of sex and engaging with a man. Upon networking with one another locally and beyond is marriage, it was difficult to engage with my husband helping us to support one another and protect our girls and I often suffered in silence. This led to lots of stress, and those at risk of FGM. We want to be engaged in the with emotional and mental stress. fight against FGM as we understand it. We are working on establishing a survivors club in Nottingham where When I finally got pregnant, I had a very difficult survivors can feel comfortable sharing their experiences pregnancy with many complications. My labour pain in a safe environment and offer support to each other. went on for 4 days and 4 nights. I had to be cut so that the baby could come out. The memories of it Personal commitment are horrible! After giving birth, my womb couldn’t go back to the right position and when I walked, I I am committed to protecting my daughter from FGM could sometimes feel like there was a baby coming and I am keen on using my experience to protect other out again. I had to stay indoors for a very long period girls, support survivors and increase FGM awareness. I of time until I felt a bit normal again. I am terrified of was cut, but my daughter will never be cut! I live for her! getting pregnant again just in case I go through the This is an edited version of the story Hana same experience. Gibremedhen shared during the FGM conference.

Do you want to share your stories and experiences with Mojatu readers? Would you like to empower others? Lead a more productive life? Join the Mojatu Foundation Team

0115 8457 009 | info@mojatu.com

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Kurdish and Middle Eastern Women’s Organisation (KMEWO): Supporting Women and Tackling FGM By Sawsan Salim, Director of KMEWO Edited by Thelma Ruskie KMEWO was established in 1999 as the first Kurdish and Middle Eastern Women’s organisation in the UK to raise awareness on harmful traditions that affect women’s health and wellbeing. Over the years, KMEWO has provided advice and support to victims of Honour Based Violence (HBV), forced marriages, FGM survivors and other forms of human rights abuses. We have also been active campaigners in making positive changes in policy and legislation in regard to HBV.

In 2014, KMEWO was funded by Rosa to provide awareness workshops to Kurdish and Middle Eastern communities. A series of eight workshops were held attended by over a 100 community members. The results of the conferences found that FGM is still being practiced and the survivors continue to experience lots of physical and psychological problems. Moreover, it was found that most of the communities lacked awareness and understanding of what FGM is and the different types of FGM. Stigma towards discussing matters relating to sex and the views of “what happens to me happens to everyone else” was also prevalent hindering people from discussing issues of FGM openly.

Our work entails running workshops, seminars, and conferences to highlight the issues within the wider community and to press for appropriate actions to combat the practices. We also run education and training classes for the women so that These findings led to the conclusion they can regain the self-confidence that there is need for increased and secure paid employment. awareness and the importance of bringing people together to discuss KMEWO was the first women’s about FGM and support survivors. Most organisation to highlight the high of the FGM survivors are committed to scale of FGM practices within Kurdish safeguarding their daughters, and any and Middle Eastern communities other girls, against FGM. outside, as most other organisations focussed on African communities. This led to the November 2014 FGM Following the Nationwide Foundation awareness event for professionals funding received in 2009, we titled “changing attitudes towards produced a DVD to train on HBV FGM amongst Kurdish community” including FGM for young people and which was addressed by among raising awareness about the harmful others Falah Muradxan, a human effects of the practice and how to rights lawyer and campaigning support victims and survivors. We against FGM in Iraqi Kurdistan. He offer training on FGM in Islington and informed the attendees about WADI Southwark using DVD, The Holiday, organisation’s initiatives and their and training manual specifically successful 10 years work on changing designed to raise awareness about the attitudes of people as well as FGM among young people. authorities in the Kurdish region of

Iraq. This has resulted in changing the law by criminalising FGM and has been instrumental in reducing FGM significantly in many areas in the region. KMEWO is very pleased to see FGM being driven to the top of the UK government’s agenda. We hope to see more action by policy makers, legislation and communities on protecting girls against FGM. However, although this is a welcome first step, we cannot afford to be complacent. It all depends on how effective the police, the Courts and the judges are in arresting, prosecuting and jailing those found to be responsible for perpetrating such crime. Regrettably, it is understood that some doctors and other medical professionals are already trying to circumvent the legislation, by camouflaging the procedure as cosmetic surgery or a medical necessity. KMEWO also believe that the role of education will be essential to combatting FGM and that this should be actively pursued.

Kurdish & Middle Eastern Women’s Organisation in Britain

KMEWO Contact Numbers: T: 020 7263 1027 (Islington) T: 020 7708 0057 (Southwark) T: 077 4885 1125 (mobile) F: 020 7561 9594 (fax) E: info@kmewo.org W: www.kmewo.org

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Asylum Aid: Let us close the protection gap for women seeking asylum By Patrick Jones Edited by Thelma Ruskie LET’S CLOSE THE PROTECTION GAP JOIN OUR CAMPAIGN All survivors of rape and domestic violence need an equal standard of care Asylum Aid is calling for basic protection of women fleeing persecution, FGM and other world’s most brutal wars and repressive regimes in the UK. Survivors of these atrocities fall through a protection gap in the UK asylum system because they are often treated differently from the local people. Our campaign is based on the suffering and discomfort we have identified among women seeking asylum in the UK.

hypocrisy associated with it, a new campaign has been launched that seeks to close this Protection Gap. It is run by the Women’s Asylum Charter, whose 350 supporters include Forward, Women for Refugee Women, Rosa and the Royal College of Midwives.

We are an independent, national charity founded in 1990 to secure protection for people seeking refuge from persecution and human rights abuses abroad. As one of the UK’s leading NGOs working with people seeking asylum, we exist because we wish to improve the effectiveness of the asylum determination system as a whole for the benefit of all people seeking protection.

• To a male interviewer or interpreter if she is not comfortable with this

Asylum Aid receives funding from ROSA to provide legal advice and representation to victims of, or those at risk from, FGM. Advice is provided across the UK to clients and referral agencies via our weekly advice line Tel: 020 7354 9631 on Tuesdays from 1.00pm till 4.00pm. We also deliver legal outreach surgeries at day centres in London. We also offer legal services that range from initial expert diagnostic assessment, to full legal representation in the High Court. The evidence generated through the legal advice and representation services we provide to asylum seekers is used to make recommendations for wider improvements, campaigning for an asylum system based on inviolable human rights principles, with a particular focus on women seeking asylum. This has led us to launch the Protection Gap Campaign.

The campaign states that “No woman seeking asylum should have to tell her story: • In front of her children

• To someone who doesn’t understand how trauma affects memory • Without being given counselling • Without information about her rights as a woman in the asylum system Nafeesa from Yemen had a male interviewer for her asylum interview and could not effectively articulate herself. She told me “When it comes to FGM in my culture, you don’t talk to a man about it. Even your husband, even your brother, there is no man that you can talk to about it. Even just somebody who did not go through FGM, you cannot talk to them about it”. Annick from Cameroon told me “I could have opened up more but my little boy was there.” Not all local asylum offices provide childcare. So a woman may have to choose between explaining her asylum claim fully and talking about FGM in front of her children.

Take action to close the Protection Gap today to ensure women seeking asylum should have equivalent rights We welcome the Girl Summit to end Female Genital to women in this country facing FGM. Mutilation (FGM) and Child, Early and Forced Marriage Contact details: (CEFM). However, it is sad to see that many women Asylum Aid, Club Union House, 253-254 who flee FGM and/or forced marriage in their home Upper Street, London, N1 1RY countries and seek help in the UK are often refused Advice Tel: (020) 7354 9264 protection here. There is a huge irony that a woman Office Tel: (020) 7354 9631 who would be protected from these human rights abuses if she were British is not necessarily protected Email: info@asylumaid.org.uk if she comes from abroad. To tackle this irony and Web: www.asylumaid.org.uk

28 Community

mojatu.com

2014/2015 Community Media Champions Profiles I am greatly interested in FGM given that it is closely related to my degree and it is a human abuse practice I believe I can make an impact given that it is widely practiced in my community and I escaped it due to my mums action to safeguard me against FGM. I vividly remember, as a young girl, my grandmother told me about ‘circumcision ceremony’ in the village. I heard cries and screams of young girls coming from a little hut and elder women and girls celebrating and ululating. I did not see exactly what happened but I recall the chilling effect the experience had on me when my grandmother said, “you are next”. I ran and hid under the bed crying thinking ‘I don’t want to be next’! But my mum reassured me that it was a silly joke and promised me she would not allow such a thing to happen to me.

Annabelle Omae BA Hons - Psychology and Criminology, University of Bradford

Forwarding years later to the FGM film viewing last Sunday I saw what these girls were going through, what the two little girls went through years ago, and the extent to which FGM is being practiced today. Simply horrific! If it was not for my mother coming from a culture where by FGM was abolished through educating and empowering women in her community, I might have been yet another victim of this brutal cultural practice. I believe through educating and empowering women, not excluding men, and also through raising awareness about FGM worldwide, we can start to eradicate the practice of FGM. I am passionate about African development, in particular, youth development among young Africans in UK and in Africa. Young people are our future and are the key to any form of societal development, which tends to be overlooked in modern society. Young people today aren’t presented with enough opportunities to reach their full capabilities and that really needs to be changed.

Fanta Manneh Global Studies with Mandarin Chinese & Digital media student at Notts Trent University.

My current work with the George Africanus Project has challenged me on the need and ways to engage within the project. I have learnt much about myself and my capabilities and seek to expand the same by telling more people about informative and uplifting stories, such as that of George Africanus. As a co-writer of the George Africanus book, I have learnt the art of narration and storytelling for specific audiences and how to collate materials and present them to specific or general public. I wish to continue with this project and engage more widely with community media activities. I hope to take a Masters Degree in international development, work within the third sector, and ultimately set up a charity in the UK and back home, in The Gambia to support and work with young people. I have a passion for life and an affinity to take chances. This comes from the belief that you will never know unless you try; and try again! The first few years of my life were spent in Ethiopia before moving to Britain. This has given me the fantastic opportunity to have a truly global outlook on various topics and issues. Growing up in a multicultural setting is a major factor that drives me to look at things from a global perspective.

Fiker Saifeselasie International Business student at Notts Trent

One of the subjects that I have been able to connect with is, the need to eradicate FGM. This is a passion project I am proud to be part of. Working with fantastic individuals to spare young girls from this gruesome practice is something that speaks to me as a woman. I want to work hard for this cause and be part of the solution. I am working on sourcing contents and reporting on women empowerment at Mojatu Foundation. Hana Gibremedhen is a community media champion supporting tackling FGM and promoting FGM awareness in Nottingham. Read her story in Page 25

Nottingham connected

Community

I have always had an interest in media and design. Since joining Mojatu in February, I have had the opportunity to try many new things as well as improve on skills I already had such as graphic design and see how it is used in a business setting. I enjoy immersing myself into different projects that promote the wellbeing of the community, especially on ending FGM. I have helped source contents, take photos and videos on FGM and other community related events. I feel that my contribution as a Community Media Champion is already having an impact in me and on my community and I endeavour to engage more widely in future. I hope to continue learning about the different aspects of a business so one day I will be able to start my own and contribute to society in a positive way!

Sehrish Din Media and Design

I am interested in international collaboration, integration of cultures, interactive and engagement of speakers from all over the world with different backgrounds. With it comes the passion to write. My creativity and wisdom can be seen on paper. I am a motivational speaker who believes that in every experience there is something sweet if we focus on the positive side.

Thelma Rusike International Business Management student, Coventry University â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Currently on placement in Heidelberg University in Germany.

Join!

One of my great hobbies is taking pictures and filming. I worked with my brother before I went to University in the filming industry. A picture can tell a thousand words. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why I love the camera, even that one on my phone. Analysing pictures is just an art I have come to love and embrace. In my presentations as a public motivational speaker I love visuals, hence I use pictures most of the time. Loving and helping people is my greatest desire. I seek to use all my gifts to reach out to the world. I go that extra mile to be of help in any way I can be to the community, giving back to humanity. Together we stand so as a team we can make it.

Community Media Champions to help end FGM this generation

Training - You will receive local and online training and resources to help you collect, edit, store and disseminate information on FGM and other community focused information. Media training | FGM training and awareness | Other training and skills By joining the Community Media Champions program you will become involved a wide variety of community engagement, media and awareness activities.

Mojatu Foundation is recruiting and training individuals, mainly those most affected by FGM, to develop skills and confidence to become Community Media Champions. The trainees are empowered to tell their individual and community stories, while helping to capture, store and share contents, images and other information online, on mobiles and in print. This will increase, among others, FGM awareness while providing opportunities for support of FGM survivors. It will also allow participants to shape the direction of their communities by impacting on the media coverage on all types of information including what is being done in tackling FGM and other social needs within their communities.

You will receive- Business cards | Video camera | Dictaphone | Mobile phone with calling credit | Travelling allowance Funded By Rosa Fund Partners

T: 0115 845 7009 M: 07859063643 | 07794372214 E: training@mojatu.com www.mojatu.com/mediachampions

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30 Community

The Girl Generation Diaspora Grant Programme The Girl Generation is a global campaign that supports the Africa-led movement to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The campaign seeks to accelerate the worldwide movement to end FGM by galvanising action, by supporting campaigns across Africa, and by pushing for more resources to end FGM. The Girl Generation provides a positive identity under which the global movement can rally, and a common platform for the idea that together, we can end FGM.

undertake work to end FGM in these countries. In future years we hope to extend the geographic scope of our focus.

We are seeking innovative proposals from diaspora groups who believe they have the ability to contribute to The Girl Generation’s vision of ending FGM in a generation by working effectively with organisations and populations in Kenya, The Gambia and Nigeria to support communications efforts to enhance the Africa-led movement to end FGM. Proposals should be outcomes driven, Since the 1980s, diaspora actors have played a central role in state clearly what changes they hope to see by the end of the building the global movement to end FGM. The Girl Generation project and describe how proposed activities will support these. aims to harness the expertise and energy of the diaspora by The 2015 round of grants will close on Wednesday, 8th April 12 enabling them to act as a link between Africa and the UK, and noon GMT. Funding decisions will be announced during the week by providing a channel for the diaspora to support work to end beginning 11th May 2015. the practice in the countries within which we work. As part of The Girl Generation’s diaspora strategy, we are calling for proposals From the launch date, the application form and guidance to fund up to five one-off grants of up to £9,000. The grants will notes will be available on The Girl Generation’s website, be used to enable diaspora organisations in the UK to work with www.thegirlgeneration.org. Please email any enquiries to and support organisations in Kenya, The Gambia and Nigeria to diaspora@thegirlgeneration.org.

Nottingham FGM Medical Support City Hospital: Thursdays 9.00am – 12.00noon Queens Medical Centre (QMC): Thursdays 13.30pm - 17.00pm FGM specialist contact person: Carol McCormick Contact email: carol.mccormick@nuh.nhs.uk Contact telephone: 0115 969 1169 Pregnant women and other adult FGM survivors can be seen during the specified times. Special arrangements for children can be made Contact Carol McCormick for arrangements.

Nottingham connected

category

Carlton Rd. Nottingham

new testament church of god                  

Equipping God’s people for ministry through the studying of the word of God & building their personal confidence to enable them to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to the wider community!



  

   

    

Address: Postcode/City: County: Phone:

173-175 Carlton Road NG3 2FX Nottingham Nottinghamshire 0115-958-6214

Bishop Paul Thomas Senior Pastor

   

SATURDAY CITY PRAISE 1-2pm every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at the “Life at the Centre” (Methodist Church) Lower Parliament Street Nottingham NG1 3DA Why Saturday City Praise? TO BRING THE GOSPEL TO THE CITY OR TO THE MARKET PLACE. I would like to respectfully invite you to come to this great move of God in the CITY. This is designed to outreach in the City, GATHERING for one Hour in a “POWERFUL WORSHIP AND PRAISE” secession This event is not for a single Church it is for the Body of Christ. There will be lots of churches taking part in this event. Let us hear from you ASAP. Thank you for your co-operation. Pastor Gary Howe Harvest Army Church Int’l UK CALL: 0115 97 1517 OR 07527994962 07582202332 info@harvestarmy.co.uk

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32 Arts & Culture

Transforming Girls and Women’s Lives Using Media, Heritage and Art & Craft By Veronica Barnes

seminars and workshops. Citing the establishment of the group mountain and the choice of its name, Ms Barnes associated the menopause with something like climbing. “Menopause she says can be like this … on some days it’s like climbing a mountain and on other days it makes you feel so blue. When a woman is going through these phases, there is little consolation when information or support is not readily available. Very few people really understand about menopause”, said Veronica. “As a community based organisation, Blue Mountain Women’s Group has been active in Nottingham area supporting women with information, in a confidential, supportive and non-judgemental manner. Our work is based on promoting women’s right to health information and choice. We support women and girls through self-help and sharing of experiences among women which affirm women’s Many women and girls find themselves facing own experiences.” issues in life. Ranging from gender stereotyping and alienation in male dominated culture, their Local women in Hyson Green and the surrounding biological functions - puberty, monthly periods, areas commended Blue Mountain Women’s Group for pregnancy, childbirth and menopause – can providing information, leaflets, books, literature and sometimes cause some women to develop mental audio visual aids to inform them about their health and physical health problems. This is worsened by and better lifestyles. “Blue Mountain has helped me the limited knowledge by men and women on how and my friends to understand better about Caribbean to deal with some issues such as menopause. culture and life as an African Caribbean woman”, said a Hyson Green resident. In 2008, Veronica Barnes founded Blue Mountain Women’s Group so as to help women going through In addition to organising seminars and workshops, menopause to get help and support to cope with Blue Mountain Women’s Group also carries out the changes they experience. Working mainly with researches into the health and social needs of African and Caribbean communities, she used her disadvantaged African and Caribbean women in life long experience in teaching, culture, Caribbean the region. They also help in collections and storing history, heritage and arts & craft to develop ways in cultural materials for and on African and Caribbean which to support women. communities in Nottingham. Blue Mountain Women’s Group established networks and groups that meet regularly to discuss women issues and empower each other to transform their lives. The group brought together many women from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds in its many artistic and cultural activities including talks,

Veronica explained that the women “organise trips and activities to familiarise ourselves with our history. This has helped us to amass a huge wealth of contents, especially literature, photos and artefacts on Jamaican people in Nottingham. Our work with women extends to understanding and researching

Nottingham connected on the historical engagements of our women in the local communities. We are currently researching the role of Caribbean’s who were enlisted in the Royal Air Force in World War 1 and 2”.

Arts & Culture

place processes to help FGM survivors to understand how to deal with complications arising from FGM, dealing with menopause and engaging with other women from similar cultural background. This has led to exciting developments with partners in UK Supporting disadvantaged groups is best done by and Kenya looking at how to expand our women working hand in hand with them and letting them engagement operations in Kenya to help the two drive the agenda. communities to share their experiences. “Our work in arts and craft has seen many women and We are putting in place processes that will help us to young people engage with one another and get more support women on issues relating to menopause and involved with the communities. We help women and addressing FGM using media, group activities and girls to feel comfortable and respected whenever arts and craft. We are working in partnership with they meet to work on their arts and craft activities. other voluntary organisations, statutory agencies and They feel more engaged and driven to share their organisations in laying the foundation of this work experiences and express themselves through art and which will be launched in June of this year. Our aim is to craft. Most women feel more comfortable using their support the disempowered women and girls by helping hands and to help one another to create artefacts, them understand how to develop their capabilities and crafts and products, such as sewing clothes. They are empower themselves and change their lives. especially delighted when they help guide what is happening in the group activities.” “Our media, arts and craft activities supported with ongoing seminars, workshops and experience in “In the last year or so, we have widened our sourcing and managing literature will enable us to participation by forming partnerships with provide a firm foundation for empowering these organisations locally, nationally and internationally women and girls”. to expand our services and advance our service provision. We are working on engaging younger This project will help affected women and girls to people, especially girls, in the day-day operations and become active members of the decision making in our work. This is in activities such as exhibitions, processes locally by participating in consultative talking about women’s health, engaging in group health forums and panels while airing their views discussions, reading activities and trips to local and opinions through media and multiple advocates. historical sites.” Affected women will be able to tell and write their own stories which may enable them to pass on their Books and resource collection experiences to younger women and girls as well as “We have an extensive archive of primary source create employment in literary works. research materials on African and Caribbean literature Our experience in the UK will be enriched by the which is being archived. We ought to archive these experiences of these partner organisations in UK and materials and have young people involved so as to Kenya, thereby making these multiagency project to gain knowledge and understanding of what has be more impactful to the women and girls. This will happened historically. It is also giving these young help the women to make informed decisions about people skills and knowledge on data collection, their health and wellbeing. management and filing processes. This is the only way we can safely store our information and support young people through the learning processes in life.” To learn more about Blue Mountain and to work with us in our UK, Jamaica or Kenyan projects, FGM and working in Kenya contact us on: T: 07790158615 E: info@bluemountainwomen.org Our partnerships and work with disadvantaged W: www.bluemountainwomen.org groups has also given us an insight on dealing with and supporting women with FGM. We are putting in

mojatu.com

34 Health & Food

26 Weight Loss Tips That Are Actually Evidence-Based By Kris Gunnars

People are being advised to do all sorts of crazy things to lose weight and to lead better lives, most of which have no evidence behind them. However, over the years, scientists have found a number of strategies that seem to be effective. Here are 26 weight loss tips that are actually evidence-based.

1. Drink Water, Especially Before Meals: Drinking water can boost metabolism by 24-30% over a period of 1-1.5 hours, helping you burn off a few more calories. 2. Eat Eggs For Breakfast: Eating whole eggs can have all sorts of benefits, including helping you lose weight. If you can’t eat eggs for some reason, then go for any source of quality protein for breakfast. It should do the trick. 3.

8. Eat Less Refined Carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates are usually sugar, or grains that have been stripped of their fibrous, nutritious parts (includes white bread and pasta). Refined carbs can spike blood sugar rapidly, leading to hunger, cravings and increased food intake a few hours later. Eating refined carbs is strongly linked to obesity. If you’re going to eat carbs, make sure to eat them with their natural fibre.

9. Go on a Low Carb Diet: If you want to get all the benefits of carb restriction, then consider taking Drink Coffee (Preferably Black): Quality coffee is this all the way and going on a low carb diet. loaded with antioxidants, and can have numerous Numerous studies show that such a diet (or “way health benefits. Caffeine in coffee can boost of eating”) can help you lose 2-3 times as much metabolism by 3-11%, and increase fat burning weight as a standard low-fat diet, while improving by up to 10-29%. DO NOT to add lots of sugar your health at the same time. or other high-calorie ingredients to it as this will negate any benefit you get from the coffee. 10. Use Smaller Plates: Using smaller plates has been shown to help people automatically eat fewer calories Drink Green Tea: Green tea contains small in some studies. Weird trick, but it seems to work. amounts of caffeine and loads of powerful antioxidants which work synergistically with the 11. Eat Less / Portion Control or Count Calories: caffeine to enhance fat burning. Eating less quantities of food is a great way to shed weight. This is regarded as counting calories and Cook With Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is very it is found to be very effective. Studies have also healthy (see Mojatu Issue M014). It is high in shown that taking a record of food consumption special fats that help boost metabolism and also like recording them or taking pictures of them reduce appetite. Keep in mind that this is not could facilitate weight loss, this is because it helps about adding coconut oil on top of what you are regulate the quantity and restricts calories intake. already eating, it is about replacing some of your current cooking fats with coconut oil. 12. Keep Healthy Food Around in Case You Get Hungry: Keeping healthy food close by can help Take a Glucomannan Supplement: prevent you from eating something unhealthy if Glucomannan fibre absorbs water and “sits” in you become excessively hungry such as whole your gut for a while, making you feel fuller and fruits, nuts, carrots, yogurt and a hardboiled eggs. helping you eat fewer calories. 13. Brush Your Teeth After Dinner: Although I’m Cut Back on Added Sugar: Added sugar is the not aware of any studies on this, many people single worst ingredient in the modern foods! recommend brushing your teeth and/or flossing Read labels, because even health foods can be right after dinner. Then you won’t be as tempted loaded with sugar. to have a late-night snack.

Nottingham connected 14. Eat Spicy Foods: Spicy foods like Cayenne pepper contain Capsaicin, a compound that can boost metabolism and reduce your appetite slightly. 15. Do Aerobic Exercise: This is an excellent way to burn calories, especially losing belly fat, and improving your physical and mental health. 16. Lift Weights: One of the worst side effects of dieting, is that it tends to cause muscle loss and metabolic slowdown, often referred to as starvation mode. The best way to prevent this from happening is to do some sort of resistance exercise, like lifting weights, which also helps in keeping your metabolism high, and prevent you from losing precious muscle mass 17. Eat More Fibre: Fibre, especially viscous fibre, can increase satiety and help you control your weight over the long term. 18. Eat More Vegetables and Fruits: Vegetables and fruits are ideal weight loss foods as they contain few calories, a lot of fibre, are rich in water, take a while to chew, and are very filling. These foods are also super healthy and nutritious, so eating them is important for all sorts of reasons. 19. Chew More Slowly: It can take a while for the brain to “register” that you’ve had enough to eat and chewing more slowly can help you eat fewer calories and increase the production of hormones linked to weight loss. 20. Have a nice Sleep. Sleep is neglected; research has shown that is very important to weight loss like exercising and healthy eating. Research has shown that inadequate sleep is one of the causes of obesity; this is because about 90 percent of obesity among the kids is linked to it, just as 55 percent of obesity in adults is caused by it. 21. Control food addiction: A study conducted in 2014 showed that 196,211 people indicated that 19.9 percent fulfilled the condition for food addiction. You are a food addict if you are finding it difficult to control your appetite after repeated efforts. You should consider this as a problem and try to get help, as you would find it difficult to shed weight without dealing with it. 22. Eat More Protein: The most important nutrient you must ever consume if you want to lose weight is protein. Consuming protein boosts metabolism by about 80-100 calories every day. It keeps you satiated and

Health & Food

you can shed as much as 441 calories daily. Research indicated that protein consumption at 25 percent calories minimizes the quest for food by about 60 percent. Moreover, it reduces the urge for a midnight meal. This aspect is the most important part of this article. Note that including protein in your food without controlling anything remain the most efficient and fastest ways of losing weight. 23. Supplement With Whey Protein: If you are finding it hard to get the required quantity of protein in your meal, you make it up with a supplement. Research has indicated that supplementing calories with whey protein could lead to weight loss and increase in lean muscle mass.. 24. Avoid drinking calories, such as sugary soda and fruit juices: Liquid sugar is bad and worse than solid sugar. Research has shown that liquid sugar in calories is the major cause of weight in modern diets. A study has shown that beverages sweetened with sugar are associated with 60 percent in the cause of obesity among children. The situation is applicable to fruit juice; this is because it has the same sugar content as in soft drinks. It is recommended you eat whole fruit. 25. Eat Real Food: The best way to remain healthier and leaner is to consume only real food. They are better because they fill naturally, it is not easy to add weight if you consume such food. Remember that such food does not require a list of ingredients, because such foods are real ingredients. 26. Eat healthy instead of dieting: Most diets never work in the end; this is the major shortcoming. Instead of losing weight, people who diet add weight with time. Research has shown that dieting is the major predictor of weight gain. It is better to eat healthier than restricting yourself to diet. Nourish your body and not to deprive it.

36 Business & Finance

mojatu.com

Nottingham connected

Business & Finance

10 Behaviours You Never See in Successful People By Katie Mills

When you spend decades working with executives and business leaders, you really can’t help but observe what works and doesn’t work over the long haul. One thing I’ve noticed, it’s not intrinsic characteristics or personal habits that determine whether you’re successful or not. It’s your behaviour. What do I mean by “behaviour?” How you react under long-term stress. Whether you meet your commitments or not. How you interact with others. Your attitude toward customers. How hard you’re willing to work to do the job right. Whether you’re focused and disciplined or scattered and distracted. That sort of thing. Now, I admit to having known some pretty dysfunctional founders and CEOs who did well for themselves for a time. But sooner or later, usually when the pressure is on and things aren’t going so well, they exhibit selfdestructive behaviour that bites them in the ass. Sadly, they often take their businesses down with them. If you want to make it big over the long-term, you might want to take a good, hard look in the mirror and see if any of these career-limiting behaviours describe you. Naivety: Granted, we all start out sort of wide-eyed and gullible, but the sooner you convert that to savvy and sceptical, the better your chances of coming out on top. The reason is simple: suckers and fools don’t win. Learn to question everything you read and hear and always consider the source. Panic: High-pressure situations are common in the business world. Things almost never go according to plan and oftentimes they go terribly wrong. It comes with the territory. If you can’t override your adrenaline response and remain calm in a crisis, you’re sort of screwed. Fanaticism: Passion is a big success driver, but when you cross that line and become over-the-top fanatical, that works against you. I’ve seen it time and again. It leads to a skewed perception of reality, flawed reasoning, and bad decision-making.

Laziness: Those who are driven to achieve great things also know one fundamental truth: It takes hard work over the long haul. That’s why they’re always so focused and disciplined. Most people are slackers. That’s why most people don’t achieve great things. Simple as that. Quick-fix mentality: Steve Jobs said, “Half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the nonsuccessful ones is pure perseverance” and if you’re not passionate about what you do, you won’t stick with it. Too many people want instant gratification these days. That’s not going to cut it. Acting out: Whatever feelings you have trouble dealing with – jealousy, shame, inferiority, entitlement – transferring them to people you work with and acting out in anger won’t just make you and everyone around you miserable, it’ll kill your career too. Selfishness: If you act like the world revolves around you, you’d better have the talent to back it up. Even so, being overly self-centred will diminish your effectiveness. Business isn’t about you; it’s about business. It’s about your customers’ experience with your products. Remember who serves whom in the relationship. Living in the past or future: Granted, we can learn from the past, but dwelling on it is self-destructive. Likewise, you can plan for and dream about the future, but if your actions aren’t focused on the present, you’ll never achieve your plans or your dreams. Light-hearted indifference: You hear phrases like “whatever works,” “it’s all good,” and “no worries” a lot lately but you’ll rarely hear them from highly accomplished people. They may be a lot of things but apathetic is not one of them. Oversensitivity: If you’re so thin-skinned that any criticism makes you crazy and every little thing offends you, you’re going to have a rough go of it in the real business world. There’s a good reason why business leaders usually have a good sense of humour and humility. It’s sort of a requirement. Don’t take yourself so seriously.

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38 Business & Finance

Will 2015 be a year of transformation for African women? By Susana Edjang

The African Union has declared 2015 the year of “Women’s empowerment”, and made gender central to its 24th annual summit taking place this month. Whether this year can be one of ground-breaking transformation for African women depends on how we seize the opportunity it presents. It is an important year, not only because the African Union has baptized this year “The year of Women’s empowerment”; this year we see the end of the Millennium Development Goals and the launch of the post-2015 development agenda. Crucially, this year also marks the 20th anniversary of the 4th World conference on Women, where the world agreed the Beijing Platform for Action, recognized at the time as “the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing women’s rights”; an ambitious expression of aspiration that no country in the world has fully realized. Perhaps to those outside the circuit of conferences, agendas and resolutions, these global and regional processes may seem like hot air. After all, despite the ambitious aspirations of both the MDGs and Beijing platforms, women are still, globally, not able to fully realize the potential they are capable of. But we would be wrong to despair; the path to gender equity has been helped not hindered by both the regional and global commitment to women’s empowerment. National policies which have resulted in the greater representation of women across institutions, from universities to the African Development Bank, and women associations, civil society groups and individuals, have used the commitments at Beijing and elsewhere to advocate for greater women’s and men’s rights. They also influence the work of the growing number of philanthropic bodies, the private sector’s corporate social responsibility priorities and the work of local and international NGOs. Our fight for gender equity would be much poorer without the policy commitments made at a regional and global level. We must not lose sight of the major outcomes of African countries’ implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action is the growing number of women leaders in the public sector. Africa now very often leads the world in breaking down barriers to women’s participation in politics; with over 50% of seats, Rwanda is the only country in the world where women outnumber men in parliament. As a result, it ranks 79 out 189 in the United Nations Development Programme’s Gender Inequality Index (GII) and 7 out of 142 in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report (GGGR). In Angola, Burundi, Mozambique, South Africa, Senegal this figure is over 30%. By contrast, in Slovenia, which ranks first in the UNDP’s inequality index, female representation in parliament is 25%; in the UK, it is 23%.

We have three African women presidents: Helen Johnson-Sirleaf in Liberia (2006-present), Joyce Banda in Malawi (2012-2014), and Catherine Samba-Panza of the Central African Republic (2014-present); and there are many more transformative female ministers, and civil society, private sector leaders and entrepreneurs. The impact of the Beijing Platform has also been felt on African girls’ education. Over a third of African countries – 18 out 46 countries where there is gender data – have achieved gender parity in primary education and 28 are not far behind. Of course, none of this is enough, the onus is on us as African citizens, to take the opportunity of 2015 as the AU’s “Year of Women’s Empowerment” to further transform the lives of millions of women and girls across the continent, by pushing our leaders to deliver on the promises made at the regional and global levels. One of the seven aspirations at the heart of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 is an Africa where development is “people-driven, unleashing the potential of its women and youth”. Finally we have gender equity at the heart of the African Union’s agenda for the continent; coupled by the appointment of leading women’s rights advocate Bineta Diop as the first ever AU Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security, governments, civil society and private sector groups have a real opportunity to ensure the empowerment of women across the continent. In people like Ms. Diop and Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the AU’s first female Chairperson, women and girls across Africa have a growing number of role models. Now, it is increasingly up to us, ordinary Africans, to seize the initiative as citizens to ensure these leaders deliver on their commitments. It is paramount that our laws, policies and leaders, do not hinder but enable us to realize our potential. We must ensure that big processes help in this way. We, ordinary Africans, have to own them and use them, and make 2015 count as a year of empowerment for African women, and indeed the whole continent. Susana Edjang works at the United Nations. She is Africa 2.0 co-chapter head on Health, a member of the Royal African Society Council and a 2014 Yale World Fellow. She writes here in a personal capacity. Reproduced with permission from African Arguments and it is available at www.africanarguments.org.

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