Black Women's Health & Family Support

BWHAFS is a registered Charity and Company Limited By Guarantee established in 1982 by a group of Somali women. The primary area of concern is promoting the eradication of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). However, we believe that work in this area can only be effective when understood within the overall context of black women's health and this holistic method has led to a broad scope of work by the organisation, encompassing grassroots projects which support and empower women and their families in Britain and Africa, as well as influencing policy making at the highest levels. In this wide ranging approach, we differ considerably from many other organisations working in the area of FGM, in that we have direct contact with the grassroots of the FGM practising community, at the same time as carrying out valuable networking and lobbying work. Our strong relationship with the community is constantly reinforced through the nature of the activities and projects developed by the organisation, enabling us to constantly monitor their concerns and to maintain a cultural sensitivity and respect towards them whilst trying to eradicate the practice of FGM..