FORWARD (Foundation of Women’s Health Research and Development) – African Women-Led Organisation

About FORWARD

FORWARD (Foundation of Women’s Health Research and Development) is the African women-led women’s rights organisation working to end violence against women and girls. Their mission is to ensure that African girls and women live in dignity, are healthy, have choices and enjoy equal rights, free from fear of violence. The organisation is guided by the vision of dignity and change for African women and girls, focusing on ending harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Key Programmes

• Young Women’s Leadership: TuWezeshe Akina Dada (Empowering Our Sisters): This is FORWARD’s flagship feminist leadership programme seeking to inspire a generation of young African women to engage in the civil and political spheres and galvanise collective action against all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG).
• Zero Tolerance to FGM 2026: Community Values Infographic: This new infographic outlines FORWARD’s values and approach to zero tolerance work rooted in community leadership, survivor-centred care and sustained investment.
• Run for FORWARD: Saucony 10k & Royal Parks Half Marathon: By running with FORWARD, you will be supporting their work empowering women and girls to live free from violence and harmful practices. Every step taken helps continue delivering vital services and creating lasting change in communities.

Latest Opportunities

• Apply to be a Mentor for the Tuwezeshe Feminist Leadership Fellowship: Join the mentorship programme as an African, Black or minoritised woman and help shape the next generation of young women leading social change. No fancy title needed just lived experience, heart, and a commitment to ending violence against women and girls.
• Join the Tuwezeshe Feminist Leadership Fellowship Programme: FORWARD is looking for bold, driven young women to join the year-long fellowship in partnership with @homegirlsunite and lead real change in their communities.

Impact Statistics

• 44,580 students taught about their body and rights in UK schools since 2015
• 11,570 professionals trained on how to safeguard women and girls affected or at risk of FGM, since 2015
• 24,393 school girls and boys mobilised in Africa to know their rights and fight violence against women and girls in their schools and communities

Publications

FGM Survey Insights – Public Awareness on FGM & Support Services

To better understand current levels of awareness and the lived realities surrounding FGM, FORWARD conducted the Public Awareness on FGM and Support Services survey between December 2025 and January 2026.

Get Involved

Help Fund Our Work

Support FORWARD’s vision of the day when African girls and women will live in dignity, are healthy, have choices and enjoy equal rights, free from fear of violence by making a donation.

Be Part of FORWARD

Join FORWARD’s global network working towards ending FGM, child marriage and violence against women and girls by signing up for the newsletter.

Why This Organisation Matters

FORWARD is uniquely positioned as an African women-led organisation addressing violence against women and girls from a culturally informed perspective. The organisation recognises that ending harmful practices requires:

• Community leadership – Working with communities to drive change from within
• Survivor-centred care – Prioritising the needs and voices of those affected
• Sustained investment – Long-term commitment to ending violence
• Feminist leadership – Developing the next generation of young African women leaders
• Partnership – Collaborating with organisations like @homegirlsunite to amplify impact

For those passionate about ending FGM, child marriage, and violence against women and girls, FORWARD offers opportunities to mentor young leaders, participate in the fellowship programme, run for a cause, or donate to support vital services.

For More Information: Visit the Official FORWARD Website