About us
Forward for Women e.V. actively opposes ritualized violence – in particular female genital mutilation (FGM). We raise awareness, advise, train and build structures: in Frankfurt am Main and in northern Senegal.
founded in Frankfurt
project region in Senegal
institutional funding
registered association
“Why this association exists”
Our Managing Director Dr. Mariame Racine Sow explains how Forward for Women e.V. came about, what the association stands for and how the work in Frankfurt and in Podor fit together.
Purpose and mission of our association
Forward for Women e.V. – Action against ritualized violence (formerly Forward-Germany) was founded in 1998.
Our work began with a focus on awareness-raising and prevention regarding FGM in Germany. The aim was and is to raise awareness in wider society and to achieve a lasting preventive effect within the communities.
Internationally, Forward for Women e.V. was active in projects in Somalia, Burkina Faso and Mali. Today the international focus is on northern Senegal, in particular the Podor region, where we work closely with the local partners of Maa Feew.
In Germany our work increasingly focuses on violence prevention together with men from the affected communities. They are trained as multipliers and strengthened in their role in order to initiate and support processes of change in their communities.
Working against genital mutilation is a binding, anti-racist stance.
We are engaged in the following areas
From individual counselling to research: our statutes name twelve fields in which we are active.
Raising awareness of and combating female genital mutilation (FGM) worldwide and in Germany
Establishing adequate institutions for medical and psychosocial care
Building networks and intercultural understanding in the face of FGM
Providing support to groups and individuals on request and initiating projects
Further training for professionals in health, education and social work
Designing and managing projects in Germany and Senegal
Referral and accompaniment for medical care
Establishing community services for those affected
Qualifying multipliers and specialist staff
Initiating and supporting academic work on FGM
Publishing the results of research work
Public relations on FGM in press, radio and television
The people behind Forward for Women
Two women who have shaped the association for years – approachable, multilingual and with a network in Germany and West Africa.
We do not work alone
Culturally sensitive, participatory and sustainable – together with funders and partners in Frankfurt and Senegal.
Forward for Women e.V. receives institutional funding from the City of Frankfurt am Main.
In cooperation with ASB we support women's and men's groups in refugee accommodation through group sessions and individual counselling.
In northern Senegal we work closely with the local partners of Maa Feew – from the counselling centre to the school.
Ending ritualized violence – through awareness and empowerment.
Our goal is to build structures based on trust. For that we need people who join us – as a supporting member, with a donation or as a cooperation partner.