Making FGM a Public Health Matter: A framework for community engagement Naana Otoo-Oyortey- Executive Director, FORWARD LGA/ADPH Annual Public Health Conference 11 th February 2015

About FORWARD… FORWARD is an African Diaspora women’s organisation registered in We operate in the UK, Europe and Africa. We tackle female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage and obstetric fistula Our vision is that women and girls live in dignity, are healthy and have choices and equal opportunities.

FORWARD’s strategy focuses on… Shifting public understanding & awareness Shifting community social norms Investment in strategic engagement Shifting policy and practice Empowering community actors to lead Developing the evidence base

Engaging communities on FGM requires time

We need to be clear about WHY? culture and tradition religious obligatio n Marriag e purity and chastity family honour aestheti cs and hygiene gender identity

Standards for community engagement Assessment and planningMethods of engagement Participation and representationEmpowerment and leadership development Communication toolsAccess Do no harmAccountability and transparency Collaboration and partnershipMonitoring and evaluation

Dept.of Health FGM Data SEPT0CTNOV Active New London Midlands & East North England South England TOTAL 1, , ,

Women’s voices on health services Many felt shy, ashamed and lose their confidence when examined “women feel different from other women & wonder what doctors think of them” “Because of FGM many women have difficulty to visit their doctors” “Its embarrassing especially when we are asked why we did this to ourselves, we don’t have an answer” PEER Study 2010

Participation and representation Who do we have round the table? Who else needs to be part of the engagement? How do we access people to be round the table Getting everyone round the table

Methods of engagement Participatory workshops, community champions or ambassadors, outreach, Community events Film screening Community dialogues and conversation Experiential learning Lets Make Noise Event- July

Do No Harm Assess ethical issues that may arise in the community engagement process that can potentially harm or further re-victimise affected women and girls. What imagery do you use? What language do you use? How do you ensure that those who speak out are adequately protected?

Accountability & transparency What is the policy for change? Have clear purpose National Action Plan on FGM- to include prevention Are funds allocated for community engagement Coordination of actions

Empowerment & Leadership devt create an enabling environment support women’s empowerment and leadership development motivate communities to lead change build skills development and knowledge Create spaces for reflection, discussion and opportunities for action Facilitate networking and linkages

Issues to reflect on… What are the challenges in pushing for community engagement and prevention? What evidence do we have of what works? What role should Local Authorities and statutory agencies play What can we learn from existing programmes in the UK and Europe?

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