The Foundation for Women’s Health, Research and Development (FORWARD) is an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) – as an African Diaspora led UK-registered campaign and support charity it is dedicated to advancing and safeguarding the health and rights of African girls and women. First established in 1983 in response to the emerging problems caused by female genital mutilation, at their twenty year review FORWARD formally incorporated into its mandate other issues allied to female genital mutilation, such as child and forced marriage. FORWARD effect change through developing capacity, and by building evidence to influence policy and challenge practices that undermine women’s health, human dignity and sexual rights.
