I heard about Forward Women when I was encouraged to perform my poetry at one of their creative London youth events to engage young people on female genital mutilation (FGM). Although I was really nervous because I didn’t know many people I went along anyway – and I’m so glad I did. It was an amazing experience; everyone was so positive and friendly. From then, I knew Forward Women was a group I wanted to be part of.

This group of women are now my close friends. Forward Women is the first ever place I’ve felt as if I really fit in and belong – it gives me an opportunity to take pride in being young, black, Muslim and a woman. Forward Women has given me the strength to speak out about FGM and gender based violence to my family and community alike both of which now know about the service and consider me a confidante in relation to such issues.

Even though I live in Barnet, I travel to Brent to attend the meetings as there aren’t any services like this in my own area.

Forward Women has improved my life considerably. It has given me huge amounts of confidence and self-belief, as well as the motivation and encouragement to commit myself in my career to influencing positive change in the lives of young African girls. This service has provided me with essential life experience and skills in a safe environment.