Mojatu Foundation
FGM, Facts and Figures
Our main focus is on countering FGM both locally and beyond by raising awareness, supporting, engaging communities and working in partnerships to safeguard and protect children at risk. Mojatu Foundation strongly believes that by empowering the survivors of FGM and facilitating community engagement, FGM can be eradicated in a generation. The foundation has a Nottingham FGM Steering Group (NFSG) with over 22 countries represented, majority of whom are from practising communities and survivors. The foundation will be running a series of events this year to sensitise communities and encourage the engagement of survivors, practicing communities, the police, schools, the NHS, local authority and other local organisations.
Even in countries where FGM is banned, girls can be equally at risk, as the practice is often hidden. In addition laws are often not effectively enforced and prosecutions are rarely sought.
Mojatu Foundation is a non-profit organisation based in Nottingham working with African and Caribbean communities in Nottingham and Berkshire. Our work involves engaging, informing, connecting, inspiring and empowering the communities we work with by sharing and promoting positive work, supporting cultural events, sharing inspirational stories of individuals, groups, communities and businesses through the Mojatu bi-monthly magazines. Our projects and campaigns focuses mainly on girls, women and young people.
• FGM is practiced in more than 29 countries across Africa, parts of the Middle East, South East Asia and countries where migrants from FGM affected communities live. • 130 million girls and women have undergone FGM around the globe. • 101 million girls aged 10 and over have been subjected to FGM in Africa. • A further 3 million girls are at risk of FGM in Africa alone every year. • 137,000 FGM victims exist in the UK. • 65,000 girls in the UK are estimated to be at risk each year from FGM. • About 200 new cases are reported every year within Nottingham. True scale of FGM may be larger because FGM is often underreported. • FGM has been illegal in UK since 1985, carrying a sentence of 14 years and severe fine if found guilty. However, there has been no successful FGM prosecution in UK since 1985.
10.15 Registration / Refreshments / Networking 11.00
Welcome / Opening Remarks Paddy Tipping
11.10
Video
11.15
What is FGM? A-Z Guide Dr. Phoebe Abe
11.35
FGM - A personal experience Hana Gibremedhen
11.45 12.00 12.15
FGM effects on Education Margaret Lesuuda Policing FGM Mel Bowden Round Table Discussion Michael Henry & Shamsher Chohan
12.40
Lunch & networking
13.35
Video
13.40 13.55 14.10 14.25 14.45
Empowering FGM survivors Cecily Mwaniki Supporting survivors Manjit Bains Through the odds: Survivor’s journey Valentine Nkoyo Q & A Panel Michael Henry & Shamsher Chohan Closing Remarks Veronica Pickering
Conference Programme
Chairperson - Amy Goulden
Speakers and Facilitators
Paddy Tipping – Nottinghamshire PCC Paddy is the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire. He is the former MP for Sherwood, elected as Nottinghamshire’s first Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) in November 2012, an office he will hold until May 2016. Before his election he pledged to give extra priority and resources to tackling domestic violence and crimes against girls and women. As a result, the protection of vulnerable women from violence is firmly embedded within his Police and Crime Plan and as part of this commitment he is keen to help increase awareness of FGM so that those in a position of authority will recognise the signs and take appropriate action to safeguard potential victims. His Police and Crime Plan identifies seven top priorities for tackling crime and associated issues which cover support to victims, witnesses and vulnerable people, improving the criminal justice process, focused work in higher crime areas, reducing the impact of drugs and alcohol, the threat from organised crime, reducing reoffending and spending the police budget wisely. The Commissioner also continues to campaign against Government funding cuts and is working hard, with support from local partners, to enhance neighbourhood policing and reduce anti-social behaviour.
Dr Abe was born in Uganda, attended Medical School at Makerere University but had to abandon her studies when she arrived in the UK as a refugee. She later completed her degree at Manchester University Medical School. She did her MSc in Clinical Tropical Medicine at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London University. Her late husband Mr Wilson Okwonga FRCS was a Consultant Surgeon at Hillingdon Hospital Middlesex and died in un-explained helicopter crash in Uganda leaving her widowed at a young age. Dr Abe is a General Practitioner in the UK and runs an FGM clinic that works with women living with FGM with the aim of empowering them. She is an associate member of the APPG (All Parliamentary Party Group) on FGM to the delight of her wonderful children. She is the CEO of the Dr. Abe Foundation based in London. She has done extensive work to support refugees in Uganda and FGM survivors. She has done a lot of campaign on FGM on TV, Radio and National Newspapers and has given lectures and talks all over the UK. Her latest book on FGM: “Female Genital Mutilation- An A-Z Guide” came out in February 2015. She has been instrumental in supporting a new movement (FGM Association Worldwide- FAW) aimed at creating a support network for FGM survivors. Sales from her books goes towards supporting FGM survivors.
Get a copy of Dr. Abe’s FGM A-Z Guide and support our work with FAW See page 7 or visit www.mojatu.com/faw
Speakers and Facilitators
Dr Phoebe Abe, MB ChB MSc CTM – GP & FGM Support Clinic Practitioner
Speakers and Facilitators
Hana Gibremedhen Hana is a hairdresser and social carer. She is an FGM survivor who was made to go through the practice at the age of 8 in Ethiopia. She has continued to live with the consequences of FGM ever since. She developed complications during her pregnancy and this led to having labour for four days and four nights and other serious complications after the pregnancy. She has one daughter and has pledged to never have her daughter cut. She has now made a commitment to share her experience to safeguard and protect children at risk and work with other survivors to empower each other.
Margaret Lesuuda – Education Counsellor at then Kenya High Commission, UK Margaret is the current Education Counsellor, Kenya High Commission, UK. A long serving educationist, Margaret has worked up the ranks from a teacher to head teacher, Inspector of schools, District Education Officer (DEO), County Director of Education, Assistant Director, Quality Assurance & Standards and lots of Advocacy and Sensitisation on Children and Women Rights with organisations like Plan International, World Vision, Action Aid, UNITAR, MS-KENYA, CIDA, SNV, FAWE-KENYA and a founder member of African Indigenous Women Association (AIWO). Margaret is awaiting graduation for an MA Peace-building at Coventry University and holds a Master in Education Administration and a Bachelor of Education. She has received many awards and recognitions such as unsung Hero (2009 - US Embassy in Kenya), for her Mentorship and Advocacy activities for girls; Presidential Award for Distinguished Service (DMS) for her role in Environmental, Educational and Peace-building. Margaret is the first Maasai woman in Kenya to be appointed as a District Education Officer, Education Counsellor and the first graduate woman from the Laikipia Maasai Community.
Mel has 21 years’ service in the police. 19 of those as a detective in mainstream and specialist areas and joined public protection in 2013 with the responsibility for rape, child abuse, sexual exploitation and HBA, She was given the FGM lead role late last year, and she is looking forward to working together to prevent offences and provide pathways, improve service and support to those who need it.
Get a copy & Learn about FGM Support FGM campaign Online: www.mojatu.com/faw Email: valentine@mojatu.com Call: 0115 845 7009 | 07794372214 All proceeds go to FGM Association Worldwide (FAW)
Speakers and Facilitators
Mel Bowden
Speakers and Facilitators
Shamsher Chohan Shamsher started work as a volunteer in 1988 with the Terrence Higgins Trust in London. She then became active as a volunteer and paid worker in the HIV sector. Shamsher attended and presented research that she had done at 5 International, Asia and the Pacific AIDS conferences up to 1996. Shamsher has been involved in many voluntary organisations locally, regionally and nationally and was one of the founding members of the national BME infrastructure organisation Voice4Change England (V4CE). She was the first CEO of Voice East Midlands, London Regional Director for CEMVO and the Mainstreaming Equalities Manager at Government Office London. She is passionate about Community Development and was the Chair of the Community Development Exchange for 5 years as well as being a Board member of Urban Forum. In 2001 Shamsher was noted as the Rising Star under 40 for the East Midlands by The Guardian newspaper. Shamsher is a Common Purpose graduate, Firewalk Instructor, NLP Trainer, Shamanic Practitioner and a Stage Hypnotist.
Michael Henry has worked in the Third Sector for over 25 years and is currently the Director of Communities Inc, a new social enterprise promoting community engagement and partnership development across all sectors. Communities Inc’s projects vary from researching and showcasing black community activism to the development of the UK Centre for Black Philanthropy. Michael’s practical experience is underpinned by both management and marketing qualifications which have helped him work at all levels to inspire and develop innovative, creative but realistic solutions to challenges within the Third sector. In 2001 Michael received an award from Nottingham City Council for his contribution towards the promotion of good race relations in the city. In 2009 he won the Business in the Community (Marks & Spencer sponsored) Sieff Award for the East Midlands. The award recognises individuals, based in the community, who have successfully collaborated with the Private Sector to benefit society.
Round Table Discussion 1. What is being done in Nottingham about FGM and by who? 2. What do you want to see done about FGM in Nottingham? 3. Who do you think should be involved in this fight against FGM? Please be specific as possible.
Speakers and Facilitators
Michael Henry
Speakers and Facilitators
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Valentine Nkoyo is a human rights activist, public speaker, advocate for education and FGM campaigner. Her passion to support girls and women has greatly been influenced by her own experience of poverty and discrimination when she was growing up and was forced to go through FGM aged 11. She escaped child marriage and had to fund her education from a young age. She has over 5 years’ experience in international development mainly working with girls, women and young people in Africa and the UK. She set up the Moi Primary project in Kenya to support the education of Maasai children. She has been campaigning against FGM locally and beyond. To raise awareness, she has spoken in conferences and led workshops in different cities in UK, has been to different local and national radio stations and TV, magazines and newspapers. She is the president of a new global movement (FGM Association Worldwide - FAW) aimed at creating a network of support for survivors. FAW was formed last year by FGM survivors who came together to discuss their plight and discuss how they can be more involved in eradicating FGM. Valentine has been in the forefront in supporting and empowering the FGM survivors she works with. Her work has been recognised by different organisations including: • International Student of the Year for Yorkshire and Humber Region by the British Council. • Adult Learner of the Year for Yorkshire and the Humber Region by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education. • C & B Rouse Award by York St John University. • Inspire SPARK International Scholarship by York St John University. • Hero’s Award by the Kenya Nottinghamshire Welfare Association. She is a Business Management graduate and is currently taking a full time MBA at Nottingham Trent University. W: valentinenkoyo.com and www.mojatu.com
Speakers and Facilitators
Valentine Nkoyo
Speakers and Facilitators
Veronica Moraa Pickering Veronica is the Deputy Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire. Veronica Moraa Pickering was born in Kisii, Kenya and moved to the UK with her family in 1968, she initially settled in Nottinghamshire in the 1970s. She lived and worked in London for many years before returning to Nottinghamshire. Veronica has for over 25 years worked with children, families and communities as a UK social worker, Children’s Guardian, and as an international Child Protection Consultant for the UN, Save the Children, International Rescue Committee, Sightsavers and many other NGO’s in Africa. Veronica currently works as a consultant supporting a number of organisations including Nottingham Trent University. She is the Patron of the Nottingham FGM Steering Committee offering advice and also forging links to support the committee.
Date 8th
Upcoming FGM awareness, support and eradication activities in Nottingham
March
Activity
FGM Film viewing
Venue
Date
Activity
Venue
Screen 22
2nd
National
TBC
July
Conference 12th April
FGM Conference
TBC
August
Cultural Festival
The Forest
May (TBC)
FGM Film
Broadway
August
Sports Tournament
The Forest
TBC
Men’s conference
TBC
Sep
Farm visits
Home farm
TBC
Interfaith round table
TBC
Oct-Dec
Films screening
TBC
discussions Ongoing sports and cultural festivals, farm visits, and media activities will be going on around the year. Register for updates by emailing info@mojatu.com or calling 01158457009 or text 07516962992 Nottingham Steering Committee Meetings take place every 2 weeks.
A Statement by HM Government Opposing Female Genital Mutilation: November 2014 Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is an extremely harmful practice with devastating health consequences for girls and women. Some girls die from blood loss or infection as a direct result of the procedure. Women who have undergone FGM are also likely to experience difficulty in childbirth. Purpose: This statement is meant to be taken with you when you go abroad. You can show it to your family. This makes it clear that FGM is a serious criminal offence in the UK with a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison for anyone found guilty of the offence. What is FGM: Mutilation of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons and sometimes FGM is known as female circumcision or ‘sunna’. UK legislation: FGM is a crime in the UK. Even if someone is taken overseas for the mutilation, it is still a crime in the UK if the mutilation is done by a UK national or permanent UK resident. It is also a crime if a UK national or permanent resident assists or gets a non-UK national or permanent resident to carry out the acts overseas on a UK national or permanent resident. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the practice is illegal under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003. In Scotland it is illegal under the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Act 2005. Criminal Penalties: Anyone found guilty of an FGM offence - or of aiding and abetting such an offence - faces a penalty of up to 14 years in prison, a fine, or both. Help and support: If you are in the UK and have concerns that this may happen to you or someone you know, you can speak to a teacher, doctor, school nurse, social worker, police officer or any health, educational or social care professional in confidence. They will be able to help and support you. If you are in the UK and are concerned that you may be taken overseas for the purpose of FGM please call the police by dialling 999. If you are abroad and require help or advice please call the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on +44(0) 20 7008 1500
NSPCC FGM Helpline: 0800 028 3550 Email: fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk Childline: 0800 1111 www.childline.org Equality Now (Nairobi, Kenya and London, UK) London: +44(0)2073046902 Nairobi: + 254 20-271-9832 www.equalitynow.org Ministerial Signatures: This statement is supported by: Lynne Featherstone MP Minister of State for Crime Prevention, Home Office. Mike Penning MP Minister for Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims. Jane Ellison MP Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Department of Health. Edward Timpson MP Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families, Department for Education Baroness Northover MP Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, International Development
This statement is also supported by the Crown Prosecution Service: Alison Saunders QC Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Support available in Nottingham Nottingham FGM Clinic Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust City Hospital Campus Antenatal Clinic, Nottingham City Hospital Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB Opening Time: QMC Thu: 13.30pm – 17.00pm City Thu: 09.00am – 12.00noon Tel: 0115 969 1169 Specialist: Carol McCormick Email: Carol.mccormick@nuh.nhs.uk Nottingham Women’s Centre 30 Chaucer Street, Nottingham, NG1 5LP Tel: 0115 941 1475 Email: admin@nottinghamwomenscentre.com Women Integrated Services Helpline: 0808 800 0340 Referrals: 0115 947 6490 Office: 0115 947 5257
Notes Pad
Nottingham FGM Steering Group (Representing over 22 African countries) among other nationalities. Volunteers mainly:
Abdoulie Jah Abdul Nur Amy Goulden Audrey Mattis Eddy Ubah
Fatuma Jama Frank Kamau Imani Rone Joanna Frith Juma Amdani
Juma Amdani Kevin Price Khadija Mandy Pride Mathew Dean
Nikki Hutt Pastor Anthony Ngigi Paula Kizomba Penny Cooper Regina Waweru
Robert Borbely Rosemary Omae Shakane Grice Sonia Long William Mugo
Nottingham Steering Committee Meetings take place every 2 weeks. 2nd and 4th Monday of the month from 6pm till 8pm @ Nottingham Habesha (Ethiopian) Restaurant, 71-73 Alfreton Road, Nottingham NG7 3JL Community Media Champions Fiker Saifeselassie Irene Amadi
Laviniah Karanja Maggie Ndungu
Moraa Moseti Sehrish Din
Thelma Rusike
Special thanks to our guest FGM expert from Belgium, Nadine Dominicus & Ethiopian Habesha Restaurant for the food Mojatu 167 Alfreton Road, Redford, Nottingham, NG7 3JR info@mojatu.com www.mojatu.com +44 (0)115 8457009