In 30 days, I’ll be running the London Marathon and fundraising for FORWARD UK.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) refers to all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is a harmful practice and a form of violence against women and girls. Often carried out on minors, it is also a violation of the rights of children. More than 230 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM. It is practised in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and continues to affect women and girls in the UK due to migration from practising countries. FGM takes away a person’s autonomy and right to make decisions about their own body.

In my work as a Midwife, I sometimes meet women who have experienced FGM, and part of our safeguarding role includes providing a “Statement Opposing FGM”, often called a health passport. It’s an important protective document that women can take abroad to show family members, making it clear that FGM is illegal in the UK and that they are supported in refusing the practice for their daughters or relatives.

However, I have often felt the weight of giving this document to someone who has already experienced harm. In a short clinic appointment, the conversation can sometimes feel as though we are asking a survivor to carry the responsibility of prevention within their family. While the intention is to protect, those moments can feel like a lot has been left unsaid and that more support is needed.

FORWARD (Foundation of Women's Health Research and Development) is an African women-led women’s rights organisation working to end violence against women and girls. Community-based organisations like FORWARD have been at the forefront of driving change within this movement, yet they are often underfunded and under-recognised.

Running the marathon feels like a small but meaningful way to contribute beyond a clinical moment, supporting prevention, community education, and survivor-centred work here in the UK through FORWARD.

If you’d like to donate or read more about the work that FORWARD do, the link is in my bio.

#LondonMarathon #EndFGM