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Mojatu FoundationMojatu 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.
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.
FGM, Facts and Figures• 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.
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.
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 FGM effects on Education Margaret Lesuuda
12.00 Policing FGM Mel Bowden
12.15 Round Table Discussion Michael Henry & Shamsher Chohan
12.40 Lunch & networking
13.35 Video
13.40 Empowering FGM survivors Cecily Mwaniki
13.55 Supporting survivors Manjit Bains
14.10 Through the odds: Survivor’s journey Valentine Nkoyo
14.25 Q & A Panel Michael Henry & Shamsher Chohan
14.45 Closing Remarks Veronica Pickering
Chairperson - Amy Goulden Conference Programm
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Paddy Tipping – Nottinghamshire PCCPaddy 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 jus-tice 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-so-cial behaviour.
Dr Phoebe Abe, MB ChB MSc CTM – GP & FGM Support Clinic Practitioner Dr Abe was born in Uganda, attended Medical School at Makerere Uni-versity but had to abandon her studies when she arrived in the UK as a refugee. She later completed her degree at Manchester University Medi-cal 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 Prac-titioner 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 Parliamen-tary 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 Na-tional 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 cre-ating 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
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Hana GibremedhenHana 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 com-plications 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, UKMargaret 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 Di-rector of Education, Assistant Director, Quality Assurance & Standards and lots of Advocacy and Sensitisation on Children and Women Rights with organisa-tions like Plan International, World Vision, Action Aid, UNITAR, MS-KENYA, CIDA, SNV, FAWE-KENYA and a founder member of African Indigenous Women Asso-ciation (AIWO).
Margaret is awaiting graduation for an MA Peace-building at Coventry Universi-ty 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 wom-an in Kenya to be appointed as a District Education Officer, Education Counsellor and the first graduate woman from the Laikipia Maasai Community.
Speakers and FacilitatorsMel BowdenMel 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/fawEmail: [email protected]
Call: 0115 845 7009 | 07794372214
All proceeds go to FGM Association Worldwide (FAW)
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Shamsher ChohanShamsher started work as a volunteer in 1988 with the Terrence Hig-gins 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 local-ly, regionally and nationally and was one of the founding members of the national BME infrastructure organisation Voice4Change Eng-land (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 Devel-opment Exchange for 5 years as well as being a Board member of Urban Forum. In 2001 Sham-sher 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 Practitio-ner and a Stage Hypnotist.
Michael HenryMichael Henry has worked in the Third Sector for over 25 years and is currently the Director of Communities Inc, a new social enterprise pro-moting community engagement and partnership development across all sectors. Communities Inc’s projects vary from researching and show-casing 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.
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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.
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Manjit BainsManjit has been working in the voluntary Sector supporting Women and Children experiencing Domestic Violence and Abuse DVA for over 7 years. Her first role as a support worker was with Roshni where she sup-ported BMER women and children, working in partnership with organisations to make woman and children safe.
She then moved to work as a support worker for Women’s Aid Integrated Services WAIS as an Outreach Worker supporting women and children, completing risk assessments and support plans with women. She continued to work for WAIS in IRIS – Identification and Referral to Improve Safety. This project works with GP’s offering in house training for clinicians and Reception staff. She provides a clear and quick pathway for patients experiencing DVA. Manjit is currently working as a Team Leader for the IRIS project and works closely with GP Practices based in the City, Nottingham West and Ashfield.
Manjit has a (BA HONS) degree in Community Work, Health and Social Care, OCN in Forced Marriage/Honour Based Violence and FGM. She enjoys the work she does to empower women to make the best choices for themselves and build on a safe future.
Cecily MwanikiCecily champions in empowering women to go beyond the inevitable life’s challenges and fulfil their potential. This is with the view of promoting well-being, career progress, wealth creation, healthy family relationships and positive parenting which she believes is core to a healthy society.
Cecily’s background is teaching, Women’s studies, Substance Use and Misuse, and Public Health & Health promotion. She is an author of six books, Co-Founder, Utulivu Women’s Group and the Director of CMnetwork (www.cmnetwork.co.uk). She believes in being the change she wants to see in the world.
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Welcome to the 4th edition of our Mojatu Reading and now Berkshire. Thanks for your comments, complements and support. Hence, we continue to address issues on Health, Education, Career, Wealth Creation and Healthy Family Relationship! It’s all about your well-being. Following increased interest and demand, we have expanded the coverage to Berkshire. We therefore now have Mojatu Berkshire. We aim to continue listening to you in order to serve you better.
In a world where women can be, achieve and do anything they want, we still find issues that hold them back. Denying them the opportunity to fulfil their potential and serve the community in the best ways possible. In this issue, we cover Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), one of the major killer of women’s confidence, steals their health and control of their life. We aim to raise awareness with the view of safeguarding the safety and confidence of those living with it and the at risk girls.
You will also read about the good people in Berkshire are doing within and outside the UK. The South Sudanese Association show case their energy, enthusiasm and health through dance and drama as they engage their young people in integrating in the community and promoting their well-being. The Rotary Club of Reading Matins and their good work of changing lives they do locally and globally. We also meet people who have selflessly helped with the deadly Ebola disease while seeing images of the impact of the disease on our brothers and sisters in Africa. And do not forget to check out the job opportunities in the Thames Valley police force and much more…
Read on and please send your comments, thoughts and suggestions. That is our common goal - changing lives.
Editor: Cecily Mwaniki,[email protected]
Mojatu Foundation DisclaimerThe views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot take responsibility for errors, omissions, nor can we accept responsibility for the advertisements or editorial contributions.
Contents Editor’s Welcome
Editorial
Cover
Group Editor: Frank Kamau: [email protected]
Managing Editor: Valentine: [email protected]
Graphic Designers: Robert Borbely | Manisha Sutradhar
Contributors: Valentine Nkoyo | Kris Gunnars | William Mureithi | Dr Phoebe Abe | Goda Kacilevičiűtë | Kathryn Stinson | Alison Awuku | Cecily Mwaniki | Amelia Robinson
IT: Zsolt Paroda | Denis Negreba
Photos: Olajuwon Williams Maggie Ndungu
Sales & Marketing:Goda: [email protected]: [email protected] Monica: [email protected]
Accounts / Admin: Penny Cooper: [email protected]
Community Engagement: Edwin Ubah: [email protected] Price: [email protected]
Non Executive Directors:
Delroy: [email protected]. Tabani Ndlovu: [email protected]
Get the magazine: Online @ www.mojatu.com/magazines
Subscription @ £24 per year includ-ing postage [email protected]
Address: Mojatu Foundation Publications 167 Alfreton Road, Nottingham, NG7 3JRT: 0115 845 7009 M:07516962992
Facebook: mojatufoundation
New Mojatu end FGM Logo Mojatu Team Design
News & Sports
African led - End FGM Movements 4-5
Learning from Africa6
Where are Men? 7
Female Genital Mutilation and Mental Health 8
RIP Efua Dorkenoo OBE 9
Community
Alafia Family Open Day11
Our History Our Mystery12-13
Why I am going to Sierra Leone to fight Ebola14-15
Ebola Photos - Sorrow, Anguish and Joy16-17
The Rotary Club of Reading Martins18
Faith & Spirituality
Habits of successful people 21
Arts & Culture
Finding Fela review 20
Health & Food
10 Proven Benefits of Avocado 22-23
Business & Finance
5 Ways To Invest In Your Education 24-25
Education & Career
Working with the Police26-27
End FGM Logo launched 30
Speakers and FacilitatorsValentine Nkoyo Valentine Nkoyo is a human rights activist, public speaker, advocate for educa-tion 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 net-work 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
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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.
Upcoming FGM awareness, support and eradication activities in Nottingham Date Activity Venue Date Activity Venue
8th March FGM Film viewing Screen 22 2nd July National
Conference
TBC
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
discussions
TBC Oct-Dec Films screening TBC
Ongoing sports and cultural festivals, farm visits, and media activities will be going on around the year.
Register for updates by emailing [email protected] or calling 01158457009 or text 07516962992
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
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: [email protected]
Childline: 0800 1111 www.childline.org
Equality Now (Nairobi, Kenya and London, UK) London: +44(0)2073046902Nairobi: + 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 Sec-retary of State for Children and Families, Depart-ment for Education
Baroness Northover MP Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, International Development
This statement is also supported by the Crown Prosecu-tion Service: Alison Saunders QC Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).Support available in Nottingham Nottingham FGM ClinicNottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust City Hospital CampusAntenatal Clinic, Nottingham City HospitalHucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB
Opening Time: QMC Thu: 13.30pm – 17.00pmCity Thu: 09.00am – 12.00noonTel: 0115 969 1169Specialist: Carol McCormick Email: [email protected]
Nottingham Women’s Centre30 Chaucer Street, Nottingham, NG1 5LPTel: 0115 941 1475 Email: [email protected]
Women Integrated Services Helpline: 0808 800 0340Referrals: 0115 947 6490Office: 0115 947 5257
Notes Pad
Nottingham FGM Steering Group (Representing over 22 African countries) among other nationalities. Volunteers mainly:
Abdoulie JahAbdul Nur
Amy GouldenAudrey Mattis
Eddy Ubah
Fatuma JamaFrank KamauImani RoneJoanna Frith
Juma Amdani
Juma AmdaniKevin Price
Khadija Mandy Pride
Mathew Dean
Nikki HuttPastor Anthony Ngigi
Paula KizombaPenny Cooper
Regina Waweru
Robert BorbelyRosemary Omae
Shakane GriceSonia 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
Special thanks to our guest FGM expert from Belgium, Nadine Dominicus & Ethiopian Habesha Restaurant for the food
Fiker SaifeselassieIrene Amadi
Laviniah KaranjaMaggie Ndungu
Moraa MosetiSehrish Din
Thelma Rusike
Mojatu167 Alfreton Road,
Redford, Nottingham, NG7 3JR
+44 (0)115 8457009
